Like the step from information to knowledge relys on associativity the source of innovation is also often an association. Just take the following story as an example (found at innovation playground):
Viennese composer Frank Schubert often found musical inspiration in his coffee grinder. The chaotic pitches and rhythms it made often suggested themes to him. He’d find himself grinding coffee, hear something “original” and go straight to the piano to hunt for the notes and phrases that sounded like the patterns the grinder just made. This kind of hearing is akin to what psychologists call “clang association.”
Mmh – let me think – maybe that’s basically a good idea to address problems!? Pulverize them, infuse the powder in hot water and see if the result is palatable 
