Experts only please: Difficult philosophical point?

How does philosophy deal with the rather simple fact that it is much easier for people to understand an idea than it is to think of it- to come up with it? My intention is not just an intellectual idea, but also a tangible idea, such as a light bulb or anything like that, if you know what I mean. I will gladly welcome expansions on this subject and anything interesting related to this fascinating area (I guess it has something to do with Kant's theory of perception)