Inventors are universally confused about what to do first. One of the most attractive distractions from the real work of innovation is the potential for building a "prototype."
Because inventors are usually the type to enjoy tinkering, or are people who think more clearly while holding a physical object with their hands, or because they simply don't know what else to do, building a prototype becomes a serious temptation. But it is the wrong thing to do!
It is a waste of time and a waste of money.
A big part of the problem is that the word "prototype" is so general as to be devoid of any real useful meaning. It could mean anything from a proof-of principle setup, a proof-of-concept device, an operating principle test rig, a development platform, a performance testing platform, a pre-production model, a market test, a production proof limited run, a first-article production run, or the "version 1.0" release.
When an inventor jumps the gun and rushes out to build a prototype, he usually has no idea which of these he really wants or needs.
The first step to inventing is rarely anything to do with a prototype in any of its forms. The first step is always evaluating the idea and its potential, followed closely by learning all about the customer and his needs and wants. But that is another post for another time.
When the time finally comes to build a prototype, the inventor is advised to take a more practical approach by asking first what he needs it for, what he needs it to be and to do. Dispensing with the word "prototype" and adopting the more specific language I offered above goes a long way towards helping the inventor decide exactly what to do, and the cheapest and fastest way to do it.
Proof of Principle. Is the underlying operating principle of my invention actually correct?
Usually this has already been worked out by someone somewhere, and very likely the result can be found in a high-school science textbook. In many other cases, the information that building such a device might yield can be found in university engineering textbooks, published papers, or by doing a bit of simple analysis using pencil, paper and a 4-function calculator. Unless you're developing ground-breaking technology in a laboratory, you probably don't need to spend money investigating proof-of-principle. Talking to a qualified Innovation Engineer will usually answer all your questions.
Proof of Concept. Can the principle actually be used for my intended purpose?
The information provided by a proof-of-concept article is usually available through less expensive means. "But don't I need at least this in order to attract investors?" When looking for financing, you do not actually need a prototype. If the market research and business plan makes sense to the investor and his engineering advisors give the thumbs-up, you'll get the money. If an investor asks to see a prototype, it's because he is hesitating, he doesn't like the business plan, and isn't going to invest anyway. He's just looking for an excuse to say no.
Test Rig. What specific design parameters will result in the required performance?
This is specific knowledge that is best obtained through a methodical study rather than building "prototypes" all willy-nilly. You must know in advance exactly what the question is, and design a system for answering that specific question. Then you must have the skills for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This is another area where an Innovation Engineer provides invaluable assistance and saves you enormous amounts of time and money that might have been wasted. In a lifetime and with all the money in the universe you can't learn everything you need to know to do it all by yourself.
Performance Test Platform. What can I promise my customers? Can it be improved through minor changes?
This stage is beginning to look more like a complete product, but it contains many more features that your customers will never need or want. These features are included for YOUR benefit. Knowing what to put in is something an Innovation Engineer does. Sensors, adjustable parts, fail-safes, and features that simulate real-world conditions are just some of the elements of a test and development platform.
Pre-Production and Production First-Articles. Will the production processes actually work and result in the desired product?
The production engineering phase is usually much further down the road than many inventors realize. It often comes after a second round of investment and is in itself a specialization that professional production engineers need to help you with. The process is the product, and no one gets it right the first time.
Do not start building a prototype unless you know its exact purpose, you understand exactly what you need to learn from it, and you have the exact skills in place to make it not be a waste of time and money.
More information, advice and resources for inventors is available at: www.Smart-Inventor.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment