Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Eduard Slavoljub Penkala (20 April 1871 – 5 February 1922) was a Croatian engineer and inventor of Dutch-Polish descent.
Life and Career
He was born on 20 April 1871, in Liptovský Mikuláš, in what is now Slovakia. He was known for his pioneering work in the fields of mechanical engineering, aviation, and transportation. Penkala came from a multi-ethnic family with Croatian and Polish roots, and he grew up in Poland before moving to France and later settling in Croatia.
Penkala made significant contributions to various fields during his career. Penkala is credited with inventing the first practical mechanical pencil, which he patented in 1906. The pen-like design of the mechanical pencil allowed for easy and precise writing without the need for constantly sharpening the pencil, making it a convenient and efficient writing tool.
Penkala was also a pioneer in aviation, and he designed and built several aircraft and aviation-related devices. In 1909, he built and flew his first aircraft, known as the “Penkala-Davidovski No.1,” making him one of the first aviators in Croatia. He also developed a braking parachute for aircraft, which was a significant safety innovation in aviation at that time.
Penkala also made contributions to the field of transportation. He designed and built the first Croatian automobile, known as the “Penkala Auto Car,” in 1900. He also invented an early version of the speedometer, which he called the “Speed Indicator,” in 1913. This device allowed drivers to measure the speed of their vehicles accurately, and it was a significant advancement in automotive technology.
Award and Legacy
Eduard Slavoljub Penkala’s innovations and inventions had a lasting impact on various fields, including mechanical engineering, aviation, and transportation. His mechanical pencil design revolutionized writing instruments and became a staple tool used by millions of people worldwide. His contributions to aviation and transportation also had significant implications for the development of these industries.
Penkala’s legacy as an inventor and innovator is celebrated in Croatia and beyond. He is recognized as one of Croatia’s most renowned inventors and is often referred to as a pioneer of Croatian engineering. Several memorials, museums, and exhibitions dedicated to Penkala’s work exist in Croatia, honoring his contributions to science and technology.
Penkala’s innovative spirit and dedication to advancing various fields continue to inspire inventors and engineers today. His inventions and contributions to mechanical engineering, aviation, and transportation have left a lasting mark on the history of technology, and his legacy as an inventor and innovator continues to be celebrated and remembered.
On 20 April 2012, Google celebrated Eduard Slavoljub Penkala’s 141st Birthday with a doodle.