Are you an inventor in need of a prototype? I can help. From scale drawings to working prototype, just let me know what you need.

 

DRAWINGS:

I use several techniques for my drawings. Depending on the complexity of the project I can provide anything from a free-hand sketch, a drawing done with a mechanical drafting arm, or from a computer aided program. There are two different programs I use now, but my favorite is actually a free download called Google SketchUp. It does have limitations, but so far it has given me great results. The other program I use has more options and fewer restrictions, but it's not as user friendly.

 

MOCK-UP:

To get a good idea of what the final product will be like, a mock-up is made. The mock-up is made of simpler materials and the details that make the final product look nice are omitted. Another process that is sometimes helpful is 'bread-boarding'. A bread-board usually looks nothing like the product, but is used to work out the operating mechanisms. It's just enough parts held together as simply as possible to work out the details of how the final product will work. It saves a lot of time in the long run. Imagine how much time would be waisted if a 'finnished' product was created first, only to realize that the internal workings can't be made to fit into the case or body of that product. The pic bellow is an example of a mock-up of a mechanism I'm working on for the gear actuator of a large r/c F8 Crusader. It is a modified Geneva mechanism. Basically, It locks the gear in the down position, raises the gear up and locks it in the up position.(I know, there are actuators on the market that can do this already, I'm trying to reinvent the wheel.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So it doesn't really look nice, but it is very useful in working out the geometry and basic operation before starting on the actual actuator that will be installed in the aircraft. The term 'bread-boarding' is also used to describe a method of building electrical circuits. The components are plugged into a panel (called a bread-board), and can be rearranged or changed as needed to work out the proper circuit operation. Once the circuit works as desired, a printed circuit board can be made and the components can be soldered in place.

 

WORKING PROTOTYPE:

Once all of the details are figured out, a working prototype can be built. The prototype may or may not be exactly like the final product. For example, the final product may be mass produced at a factory that can manufacture custom integrated circuits or plastic injected parts (the outer shell or case, for example), where-as the prototype my use generic circuitry and a vacuum formed or fiberglass shell. The prototype gives you a way to show your vision to others; such as investors (or even yourself).