If you had an idea for an invention / custom item that you think would sell...

[SinkGirl]

...how do you go about getting prototypes made?

I’m not sure invention is really the right word. It’s an adapted version of an existing commonly used thing but I know how it would work, and it would be incorporated into clothes, home furnishings and so many other items.

It could possibly be 3D printed, otherwise parts could be plastic and others would need to be metal.

I think it could be a lucrative thing, if I got it right. I’ve come up with it because it would be really useful for us as parents of disabled children and have been thinking about it for a while but it could have so many applications and be used on so many different things.

Has anyone ever done this and if so how did you go about getting a prototype made up?

Or if anyone has the ability does 3D printing and fancies getting involved let me know!

I’ve found some companies who offer various services to make prototypes, develop the idea, help with patent applications etc.

Has anyone done this, what has the process been like, costs etc?

I feel crazy even considering it as it feels like such a bonkers idea to spend lots of money on something that may go nowhere. At the same time, it’s one of those things where you sort of can’t believe it doesn’t already exist but from what I can tell it doesn’t - I can’t find a patent for anything similar, or a similar product online. Maybe I’m missing something really obvious and then I’d feel like a proper idiot for throwing money at something that won’t work or already exists.

I can't help but bumping for you & wishing you luck!

See if you have a local hackspace. They are set up so you can join and have access to 3d printers, laser cutters and all sorts of tools and workshop kit. I'm guessing with a child with SN you might not have the time to actually build a prototype yourself but they are generally great places to get in touch with people who might be able to.

Could be worth getting I touch with remap as well www.remap.org.uk/

OP, that sound really exciting.

I'm not an expert, but here are some thoughts/ links to get you started:

www.designcouncil.org.uk/news-opinion/shed-shelf-taking-idea-market-5-steps
www.remap.org.uk/
www.innovate-design.co.uk/how-to-patent-an-idea/

I'd probably start by giving the design council a call and asking their advice.

Good luck!

Thanks so much! Will look into all of these. I did think of Remap actually as I was considering asking them for help with the problem I was struggling with but after it swirling round in my brain I think I’ve found a good solution.

I’ve run a couple of small businesses before but only with a really small scope, I have no idea how to even begin with something like this! Have started reading up but will keep going and see if there is anything local like this.

Been doing some reading today which has led to a bit of a brainwave. I think I can make a crude version of what I’m thinking using some existing items if I take them apart and combine them. So going to try that first, see if it works and if so then think I’ll contact one of the product design / prototype companies and take it from there. Then maybe I can find someone to help me license it if all goes well! If not maybe I could at least make a range of products for those with similar needs to my boys - I know there’s a market for it and it could definitely help lots of parents out.

When I was looking for a solution to this problem I found a load of hacks online to try to solve another problem with the same product, and these would also be solved by the same change. I don’t think it would even massively increase production costs as it’s very simple.

I’m actually a bit excited about it now - maybe I can take it on Dragons Den (or find someone more confident to do it for me 😂)! Usually I watch episodes where there’s a really clever invention and think wow, that’s so obvious, why has no one done that before - this is the first time I’ve ever thought of something to solve a problem and not been able to find that it has already been done! I feel daft because I know nothing about inventing or the business side of things but I guess that’s true for a lot of people that end up inventing something useful.

I bet that once I look more closely I’ll find that it has already been done or there’s a patent somewhere that conflicts with it, which is why I need professional advice!

I will come back and update if things go well :)