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Hi Ed,
I'd like your advice on how to proceed with building a prototype of my invention, which
is a portable exercise device that has moving parts that are fabricated from metal and
plastic.
I designed my invention in TurboCAD. Last month, I filed a provisional patent
application, which was reviewed by a patent attorney with an engineering degree. However,
I won't know if my invention truly works until I build a prototype.
What I learned from drawing my invention in TurboCAD is that its design changes as I
think about how the parts have to fit together. I expect more design changes once I start
putting physical parts together during the prototyping process. Ideally, I would like to
work with a small hobbyist who has a machine shop and can modify parts I buy at the
hardware store. Once I have this workable junkyard prototype, it will give me a better
idea regarding materials to use and design changes required. Then I can proceed with
submitting my updated CAD drawings for rapid prototyping.
What do you think of this approach? Does it make sense to first build a junkyard
prototype to confirm the operability of my invention? If so, how can I find that small
hobbyist with a workshop? If this is not a good approach, what do you recommend?
Thanks.
DW
DW:
The one thing you can be sure of is that any design will require lots of changes as
time goes on to accommodate simple functionality, manufacturing and marketing. You should
plan for that. I've been an engineer for many decades and I may have had one or 2 things
work right from the start.
Your approach of finding the cheapest, most direct way to test and refine your idea is
what most good engineers would do. Don't spend a quarter if you don't have to, and
certainly as little as possible before you've proven your concept.
It doesn't sound like you're from the engineering / manufacturing disciplines so if you
want to really pursue this you need to find partners, or at least solid advice, from
experienced individuals. It might be a good idea to get some marketing advice, as well -
enough to tell you how to test your idea.
It's not easy to find these people, and pretty nigh impossible to find individuals
who'll do it for no reward or even a reward down the line. To find help with fabrication,
locate a small machine shop in your area in the phone book. Talk to several of these folks
and get an idea of costs and what they can contribute above and beyond parts. Finding a
"hobbyist" is fraught with danger. Find a professional.
To find the other business people, look for entrepreneurial orgs in your neck of the
woods. MIT has several chapters of its Enterprise Forum in various major cities, but local
universities are a better bet. Get a book in entrepreneurship at the library and talk to
the ref librarian to see if he or she knows where to find out more locally about such
orgs. Call local venture capitalists to see if they know individuals that might like to be
involved. Don't hide your light under a bushel. etc.
Most important: Think your project through to the end you desire - from the
beginning. If you don't want to bust your aggies over a long period for little certainty
of a reward, drop it.
Regards,
Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
Hi Ed,
I am grateful for your reply.
Since I don't have the manufacturing background you recommend, I met today with an
individual that does. He has been in the business of inventing and product development for
over 25 years. He has published a book on the subject and taught an invention workshop for
3 years at a major University. He has his own workshop and a 3-D printer, as well. He
showed me a number of products that he has helped get to market over the years.
This may be the guy I need. He only takes on clients who he expects will get to market.
If I can't pay him the full amount for his prototyping and marketing services, he will
lower his up-front price and instead work on commission (e.g. 5% of eventual sales).
What do you think? As you wrote, I'll eventually need people on my team to help with
manufacturing and marketing. This guy has a good rep and long paper trail. Should I get
involved with him now or should I focus on building a prototype on my own?
Thanks,
DW
DW:
Build the prototype first. You don't know if you actually have something that works
yet.
Never heard of the gentleman, but I've never heard of lots of people and things. Five
percent ad infinitum is a lot to give away. While you're doing the right thing by
investigating him - I'd say pay him up-front by the hour or find someone else. Speak
directly to references before doing anything with him.
Most companies' entire profit is in the range of a few percent, for example - and
continuing long-term entanglements will turn off future investors. You'll need much more
support as you go along and if you've given away too much at first, you'll have little
leverage left.
Regards,
Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
Thanks again Ed.
I agree that 5 percent of my sales ad infinitum is a lot to give away and that such a
contract would hinder me with future financiers.
I'll get to work now on building my prototype using as many already-made parts as possible. However, there is a metal brace in my invention to which every other part is connected. I'm thinking that I should take the CAD drawing of the metal brace and have it fabricated. What do you think of on-line fabricators like www.quickparts.com and www.emachineshop.com ? Or should I work with a local machine shop? If I should work with a local shop, how would I find one that can use my CAD drawing?
Finally, what services do you and your website offer that can assist me during the
prototyping stage? You have been so helpful that I would like to reimburse you in some
fashion.
Thanks
DW
Hi DW:
Both QP and emachineshop have good reps and do what they say they'll do (full
disclosure: QP is one of our advertisers). They might be useful at some stage, however I
would strongly recommend that you find someone local to do the work. That will give you
the opportunity to learn from your mistakes on an interactive basis - and probably more
important plug you into the engineering/entrepreneurial community in your area. Of course,
not everyone knows useful people, but it is another entry point and is part of the
relationship-building process.
Most shops these days can use a CAD file, but you may need to spit it out as a
dimensioned paper document for some individuals. Some small guys around here still use
very old tools - no CNC at all. Tell them what you've got and ask them what they need.
That can always be worked out. Good people can even help you with tolerances and materials
if they know what the part is supposed to do. Be forthcoming so they can help you.
I offer mentoring and small business services like you need, but you should really find
someone closer to you. Get involved with the entrepreneurial community in your area first
and save your money. I've attached some info and you can get an idea of my experience
here:
http://home.att.net/~castleisland/eg1.htm
I don't mind answering a question or 2 as time permits by email, however.
Best regards,
Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
Hi Ed,
I will follow your advice and work with someone local for now to build a prototype. I
attended a meeting last night of the local Inventor's Association and discussed my needs
with their president who has invented and marketed a number of products. He invited me to
his workshop to discuss how he can help and how much it will cost.
Thanks again for answering my questions and guiding me in the right direction. If I
need advice beyond what I can find locally, I will contact you regarding my specific needs
and you can let me know how you can help and what you estimate it will cost.
Regards,
DW
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