What are papers?

It seems that the problem 'what are papers' is obvious. I have to say no. I am an engineer, not a researcher. I am always looking for ideas to compliment a product. Papers are usually what I must refer to find an proper idea.

Papers can be categorized into 4 types:

1. Setup a new theory. This kind of paper are rare, but make a big step in theory is always the most important. Nothing is more practical than a good theory.

2. Setup a new framework. A very large step in engineering.

3. Setup a new approach. An approach is a method to make a reasonable solution to a problem.

4. Small ideas. Sometimes useful, but a waste of time and paper mostly.

Before you have got a systematic knowledge basis, refer to papers is always a good idea. But it's important to pay more attention to solve problems using your own knowledge system. No need to refer to papers when you already have a good enough solution. Don't abuse papers.