Large Prototypes
If your invention prototype is too large to move easily, you'll need to find an alternate way to show it at trade shows and at meetings with potential customers. Consider the following ways to showcase your invention prototype when it can't be physically present:
-Make a scale model. If possible, use the same materials that are in your larger invention prototype.
-Use a video to capture your invention prototype at work. Film your prototype from all sides to give viewers a better idea of how it works.
-Create a virtual prototype. Many companies offer services that allow you to create a 3-D computer image of your prototype.
Building Your Invention Prototype
In order to begin building your invention prototype, you should have a solid idea of how your invention will work. You also should have a working prototype before you start showing your invention at trade shows. The process of building a prototype will almost always take longer than you anticipate, so give yourself plenty of time. One of the benefits of building an invention prototype is that design flaws will become apparent as you build. You'll be forced to modify your design until it is efficient and working smoothly.
Hiring a Professional Prototyper
A great inventors help option is to hire a professional prototyper to create a working model of your new invention ideas. Although these services are expensive, they may save you money in the long run if your invention prototype is especially complicated.
Before beginning work with an invention prototyper, require that person to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Because you will be sharing all of the working details of your invention with this person, it is crucial that you protect your rights as an inventor.
Make sure you agree ahead of time about how much the prototyping will cost. If possible, get a flat fee for the entire project.
Loaning your Invention Prototype
If you need to loan your invetion prototype for a company for review, take a few precautions to keep your prototype safe and to ensure it's timely return.
Assign one company member to be in charge of your invention prototype. That person will be responsible if any damage occurs. Work out ahead of time that the company will pay for any repairs that need to be done after the invention prototype is returned to you.
Negotiate the amount of time that the company is allowed to keep your invention prototype. The shorter the time period the better as it encourages the company to act quickly.
Get everything in writing. Get the signature of the most senior manager available to sign the loan contract. If you feel uncomfortable, enlist the help of a patent agent.
Choose Inexpensive Materials
Manufacturers who review your invention prototype want to know more than if it works. They'll also be interested in how much it costs to make and if it is possible to mass produce cheaply. Even if your invention is stronger and faster than any other product available, if it costs more to build than people will pay for it, it will be impossible to sell to a manufacturer.
A Cheaper Invention Prototype
When you reach the point that you need to make an invention prototype but you don't have the money to put into professional manufacturing, go back to school. Not to take classes, but to find students who would be willing to work on your prototype at discounted rates. By giving you some invention help, they'll get great experience and an impressive addition to their resume or portfolio.
Plan Your Invention Prototype
You'll save time making your invention prototype if you take some preliminary steps before you begin.
Make detailed drawings in your inventor's journal or on your computer that show how you expect your new invention ideas will work and what each piece should look like. Using these drawings, build a preliminary prototype out of materials that you have around your home. You can build out of materials like cardboard or styrofoam. It doesn't matter at this point if your invention prototype is functional. This will help you see how things will fit together before you start spending money on the actual invention prototype.