Thread: Designing and inventing

I got the drawings updated, and fixed the issues on the design end. Now its back to the manufacturer. Im hoping we can get a few new examples by the end of the year. Thatll give me time to get ready for the January show. We might have a website up by then also, if so Ill post a link if its not against the rules.

Thanks for all the positive comments. As for questions on what industry, yes it is percussion equipment, but its not a pedal. I do have a pedal that Im working on though, among other things. Itll be unlike anything else, but Im not going to give away anything until Im close to finished.

Originally Posted by SuccessInMind

I'll definitely get an NDA before I meet with some designers as well as do the patent search. I think they also have a patent search on Google now, which will make it a lot easier. The search on the US patent website is a lot more difficult to navigate through.

Thanks for your advice DrummerDad! Very much appreciated

Not meaning to hijack this thread, but I'm a mechanical designer by trade. Lots of experience in machining, fabrication, and assembly. Some plastics and composites experience. -Happy to help a fellow fastlaner-

A little update:

I had a heart to heart with my business partner the other day. Nothing bad, but he has been putting our stuff aside, to work on projects that are actually making him money. Not that I blame him, but an agreement is an agreement. So, we aired out a few concerns, and got back to business. I think it will work out fine now. It just goes to show you though, if you dont work your plan, and force it to grow, noone else will. Its in your hands.

So, the sand castings we did had some issues, not the least of which was an apparent outgassing from the large pores left in the metal. I couldnt powdercoat it, or have it chromed, or anodized either. So, we are looking at investment casting or die casting. This is where I have to soley rely on my partner, as I know nothing about the processes.....yet. But he has contacted 5 of the companies he deals with on this (and I am receiving the emails now too, so I can track problems and requests for more information) , and as soon as I get my 3D drawings back, and sent out we should be back on track. So we are back to square 2 or 3 at least. But we have learned alot about what we can and cant do with this product, so its not a total loss. Its just money right?

My biggest frustration to date has to be the drawings. I am completely dependant on someone else to make these things, and he isnt very reliable. Also, we discuss what I want done, and I have about a 50% chance of it being that way. The kid (well hes maybe 25, but acts like a 15 year old sometimes) just does things his way, and then short cuts the drawings, leaving out details. And hes always late. Hes great with AutoCAD, but its useless if you ask me. I cant even see my own drawings, or use them. He has to save them as PDFs, which pisses him off because "it ruins the quality", and I dont have autoCAD. I only have a DWG viewer. Its a real pain in the ass. I try and get literature made or stickers, banners, things like that, and I cant. I paid for drawings, and noone else can use them, or even open them. Its just stupid. I hate AutoCAD. Proprietary bullshit.

I think Ive decided after this trip, Im just going to have to get some 3d software and learn how to use it. Ive been looking at the Alibre Professional, and I really like it. I did the free trial and it works great. Plus the Professional suite does everything. And its alot cheapr than AutoCAD, and easier to use. I can even send a file to someone, and they can look at it and even slightly manipulate the file, without having to buy the software for theirself. What a concept. I am going to wait till we start making money on this project first, of course. But I waste alot of time arguing with the CAD guy, especially when Im not getting what I want anyway. Ive already spent enough money on drawings, and time for that matter, to have bought the professional suite from Alibre designs. Ahhh the things you learn along the way....

We have set a goal of trying to make the January show. But realistically with the retooling setback, I think its not going to happen. If not, we will try the show in July. Its driving distance from here, and almost a third of the cost anyway. And there is alot to do between now and then, with cards, flyers, website stuff, product brochures, press releases, etc..and everything hinges on getting useable samples from the manufacturer for photos and testing. We requested quotes for 1,5,10,50,100, and 500. Also this would include 2 or 3 to be submitted for approval first. So we shall see. I hate it when everything is in someone elses hands.

Update



A few things have changed. I got the drawings finally. And Ive hired another guy for CAD work. I cant keep waiting for a friend to get around to it. Plus he complains and whines the whole time. Then he shortcuts me. So, Im not dealing with him anymore. I cant afford to be on his time table.
We sent quotes to a few shops for investment casting, and die casting, and didnt get back any usable quotes yet. So, we may be going with the original sand casting shop. There were issues with the item, but overall it was really close. We talked to the company, and they assured us they can fix the issues. So, we asked for three new sets, with the current revisions, and issues fixed. We will see what we get in about a month.
Im covered up in emails. My partner has been sending everyone to me, or copying me on the correspondance. Which is good. Not complaining. I like being in the middle. It allows me a little more control.
Im waiting on the new rings so we can get pictures for the website. I already registered the name, and bought the webspace. I guess I got ahead of myself, but I needed to register the name anyway. As soon as I get the new rings, Ill get the site up and running.

There is no way we will make the January show. Im pushing for the July show. That should be doable. I just hope we dont have any more setbacks. Theres alot to do between now and then.

Sounds great! Keep us posted!

Update:

Its been awhile, and I wish I could say we've made alot of progress, but unfortunatley we havent. My business partner wants to drag his feet, and its driving me nuts. Ive been at this for almost 2 years, its time to get it done.

Anyway, I have officially filed the patent, since the provisional will expire this year. I should know something in a few months on that. Until then we are just patent pending. I should receive a set of these things this week, with the final changes for approval. After that, I can start the other things Ive been waiting on. Product brochures, and cards, a website, maybe a video on youtube, register for the trade show, whatever we can do to get it out, and ready for the show in July.

Rest assured though, Im learning volumes about what to do and what not to do. And how to side step potential obstacles. The next product I produce will be different altogether. Im at the mercy of other people at this point, which SUCKS. But I will get this thing done, and move to the next item. As soon as I get the new items, Ill put together a longer post, with pictures, and a description. Im anxious to go public. I hate this cloak and dagger crap.

DrummerDad

You have a pm.