How to interest companies in concepts. . . 5

[Docengineheat]

Just a question on a general topic. . . .

I'm not employed in the automotive or engine industry. But I am an engineer, and I've developed a certain engine modification that has the potential to significantly enhance engine operation.

Having reviewed the field in some depth, I am well aware that there is a number (that seems to be approaching infinity) of inventors that have invented various inventions that promise incredible results. They also appear to have been, for the most part, developed in never-never land.

I'm at the point where I would like to approach some engine manufacturers with my concepts. Given the number of rather dubious projects that are floating around, what is the best way to attract their attention?

Is there any one particular company that is more receptive to innovative ideas than others?

Or is it best to approach some other institution, such as a University or Research Institute?

I'm eager to hear recommendations.

 

[tomwalz]

We do things similar to yours. In our case it is technology for brazed tools.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com

From my experience.
1. Prove it can be made. Build a series of demo or test models. Remember to design for manufacturability. Standard parts and standard equipment. Everybody wants something exactly like what they are using now but better. (Really, really, really appreciate this last comment.)

2. Find someplace very small to start. We have a new grade of carbide for cutting tools. We are having saw blades built by several small, custom shops around the country. They will take them to locations where they can test them. We are paying to have the blades built so the shop likes doing it. The tester gets a free blade so they are happy. Instead of going to GM look really hard for someone smaller and right next door maybe in race cars or serious about fuel or whatever your invention does. A public utility maybe.

We have technology that hones cylinder walls faster and smoother with less heat. And they last longer. We have never even tried to approach GM. In the meantime we are selling it, perfecting it, building a reputation and someday someone at GM may notice it. The best way to get noticed by a big company is to have a successful product

3. Get a patent. Nobody reputable will look at you without a patent. Suppose you have a two pound automobile engine that delivers all the power needed. Assume I am an auto company who has a program to reduce engine weight. If you come to me with a patented idea then we both know where we stand. If you don’t have a patent I will be afraid that you will claim I stole your invention. Then I have to prove I was working on it independently.

4. Obviously don’t send a whole lot of money to invention development services. There are a few web sites that look pretty legitimate and are pretty inexpensive.

5. Try to find a way to make money from it first. See if you can start a small business with a tight knit group of prospects. Our Talonite knife alloy is doing really well because there are really good knife forums on line and the magazines are always looking for something new.

Nobody is going to buy your invention unless they can make money from it. Anything new requires a lot of work just because you have to change things. (Cost of implementation) You can’t make money unless it is clearly superior and easy to make.

Weyerhaeuser had a 5 for 2 rule. If it is five times as good you may get twice as much money for it but you still have to work awfully hard to sell it. . Weyerhaeuser also said that nothing counts as an improvement in a manufacturing process unless it has better than a 20% improvement 100% of the time. This was for sawmills and logs vary greatly. However you do need to show a great improvement 100% of the time.

Good Luck,
Tom

 

[rodar]

Before you show anybody anything make sure you
are covered legally.
You must have a notarized Invention Disclosure Sheet
at the very minimum.
These companies WILL steal your idea and implement it.
Apply for a patent first before discussing anything.
Good luck
Rodar

 

[IRstuff]

Always get a signed Proprietary Information Agreement from whomever you talk to. It should spell out sufficient detail about what you discuss so that you can refer to it later, if need be.

TTFN

 

[TheTick]

Secrecy is your friend, but not your best friend, when it comes to disclosure. One of the most powerful things in your favor is to have impartial outsiders who can testify that an invention is yours.

When documenting your invention, find people you can trust, and have them witness your invention. Get them on video looking at your invention, if possible.

All this machinery making modern music can still be open-hearted.

 

[patprimmer]

If someone does steal your idea, and you don't have a patent, your only recourse is to sell PROOF of prior art to their competitors and at least get some small change while helping to bring them undone.

Best ideas are above, get documented independant, date stamped proof of you developments. Get a confidentiality agreement, secrecy agreement or whatever before you disclose anything.

Once disclosed, try to get documented or recorded (with written permission, otherwise it's useless) a statement that this information is new to them and advanced compared to their developments.

Some unscrupulouse companies or individuals will claim that you have only shown them something they already knew, they will then produce backdated documents to add weight to their word in court

Regards
pat