Getting a prototype of your invention is a necessary step before investing any money in its production. There may be complications which will not be visible until the prototype is built. Fortunately, you won't have to prototype yourself as there are many companies that do it in a short time, machine shops and other places. Learn how to get a prototype pretty fast by following a few basic steps.
Steps
Step 1. Complete a conceptual sketch of your invention and a detailed drawing
You can make these designs yourself with papers and pencil or you can hire someone to draw your invention following your instructions. Once you have a detailed drawing of your idea, hire a computer expert (CAD) to draw it on the computer. A CAD drawing is what you will have to show to the one who will make your prototype.
Step 2. Find a place to create your prototype based on the CAD drawing instructions
If the invention is made of metal, you can also go to a machine shop for your prototype. If it's made of plastic you can get it quickly through a fast prototype service. This service (rapid prorotyping) can produce your prototype in a few days but it may not be exactly what you are going to sell. Even some engineers can build prototypes.
You get a prototype built of the same material your final product will be produced with. This will be the test to see if your invention will be functional or not because you will be able to touch it. Getting a functional prototype is the fastest and sometimes the only way to sell your invention
Step 3. Have the prototype redo until it is fully functional
You might as well get it functional right off the bat, but that's rare. You may have to build several prototypes and correct them little by little.
Step 4. Produce your functional prototype and present your idea to potential buyers
Now that you know there are no problems you are ready to sell the product.
Advice
- Better to patent your invention also to make sure it doesn't already exist and therefore have problems later. You can do this by hiring a lawyer who can also help you if the invention is original.
- Do the necessary research before hiring someone to do the computer drawing or prototype. Make sure the invention is useful and doesn't already belong to someone. You will save money and hassle.
