Which engineer designed leisure inventions that used many steps to solve simple problems?

The engineer renowned for creating whimsical machines that accomplish simple tasks through overly complex and often humorous means is Rube Goldberg. His designs are characterized by a series of intricate steps—often involving levers, pulleys, and other whimsical contraptions—to achieve a seemingly simple function, such as turning off an alarm clock or watering a plant. This approach emphasizes creativity and the playful side of engineering, showcasing how sometimes the simplest solutions can be represented in the most complicated forms. Rube Goldberg's work has become synonymous with this style of thinking, often referred to as “Rube Goldberg machines,” which serve both an entertainment and educational purpose by illustrating fundamental principles of physics and engineering design.