My homework for this week is to learn more about the patent process. The plan is to apply for a provisional patent as we complete the design. We are able to do this because any changes we make would be in the material and not affect the overall design.
The design process officially began last night as we had a brainstorming session. We have identified a few areas as potential problems:
1. The current flaps in the road seem to attract drivers to drive over them, causing them to wear out very quickly. We must find a way to construct signs that can withstand such wear over a long period of time.
2. We must plan for these flaps to be run over by cars, trucks, even street sweepers. Such durability is difficult to achieve, so the material must be well thought out. We plan to use rubber, but are debating whether we will need aluminum reinforcement to ensure the signs' durability as well as its structural integrity because the sign must remain at the same angle at all times.
3. We are trying to avoid putting metal into the design because of the potential for damage to the cars. Any metal included would also significantly increase the cost of each sign. However, durability cannot be compromised simply because of cost.
As you can see, we have some problems to work out. During the interim, I am learning about the patent process so we can apply for a provisional patent in the next month or so. My mentor is contacting sign suppliers and testers to find the best material for the signs. The road signs handbook also requires a certain number of tests to be run on the product applying, so we will have to prepare for that, as well.
The tangible results thus far are few, but we will begin to see the process as we begin to create CAD designs of the sign. These designs will help us for the specifications necessary for the manufacturing of the signs as well as for the designs required for submittal of the provisional patent.
I am very surprised at how much planning is necessary for this project. Though it seems simple, so much must be thought out before actually beginning manufacturing the product. It has been a learning process thus far, and I expect to learn much more by the end of this week!
This sounds like an awesome experience and a good way to get exposure to the business world. The company you've started sounds not only practical, but a good first step to starting your own business. I hope all continues to go well for you and I hope the business is successful.
ReplyDeleteThat's really cool Scott! I'm also working on a patent with my mentor. Some advice would be to get the drawings notarized before you send them in to the patent office. Also Patent Laws will change mid March to benefit the filler. Make sure you have it in by then. And remember, ALWAYS SIGN YOUR NAME AND DATE TO EVERYTHING THAT YOU CREATE, IF YOU DON'T SOMEONE CAN STEAL YOUR IDEA.
ReplyDeleteAlso, rubber would be a bad idea because when it freezes it becomes brittle. Make sure if using aluminum to use high grade aluminum.
Thanks for the advice, Matt! After doing my research all of this sounds familiar...and we are using a rubber compound, so it should not be as brittle as normal rubber, but I certainly appreciate the input!
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