A Resource for Inventors
I4imagineering is a design engineering resource for inventors that can take your idea and convert it into a reality, guide you through the Patent process and deliver a viable, working product that you can take to a global marketplace. If you have ever started a sentence with “What if….” We can take that idea and turn it into a “When…”
Inventive Commercial Solutions
I4imagineering provides design engineering consultancy for organisations that need innovative, practical solutions to product development challenges. We work with SME’s and globally recognised brands to enhance products, streamline production costs and improve consistency of quality. ‘A penny saved is a penny earned.’
Start Here
Book a free exploratory meeting
At our first meeting, you won’t have to reveal your idea (it is important you don’t tell anyone what you have in mind!). We will talk about what can be done, how we confirm if your idea can be Patented, the likely cost of the process and what that involves. At the end of step one you will have the information you need to decide if you wish to proceed to step two.
Sign a Non Disclosure Agreement
This is a crucial part at the start of the process. Signing an NDA means we cannot discuss or reveal your product to anyone else and we cannot copy your ideas. We use an NDA recommended by the IPO (Intellectual Property Office), aka the Patent Office. Once this is signed, we are safe to discuss your idea and you have the protection you need. Then we can move on to the next stage. Example of the Non-Disclosure Agreement
Make Drawings
We start with design drawings. The success of your product, its overall feel, quality and durability, all its key aspects are captured in this process. It is vital therefore that we transfer your ideas into a visual reality. We do this using the latest 3D design software that can produce photo quality images of your finished product.
Capturing all aspects of your ideas and producing a fully rendered 3D drawing will often be the first really big step in the evolution of your new product. It is a landmark process and in order to get it right we will first produce some sketches and doodles of what we are trying to achieve. It’s a process of trial and error but leads to a fully formed realisation of your imagination. It is an exciting and rewarding process. Ultimately, we will finish with a set of drawings that capture the essence of your product idea. It maybe that you will use these drawings to find a backer or buyer for your product, so their quality is of utmost importance.
Apply for a Patent
In order to protect your idea, it will be necessary to apply for a Patent. Depending on the marketplace for your product, normally we would recommend applying for a UK Patent in the first instance. This then gives you time to decide on which other territories worldwide you may want to protect your invention. The Patent process can start once we have enough information to form the basis of the application. This is normally after the drawings have been produced. It can however wait until the prototype is manufactured. This is decided on a case by case basis, with the recommendation and collaboration of the Patent Attorney. It is vital you employ a Patent Attorney if you wish to maximise your chances of a Patent being granted. Just an application does not guarantee your successful grant of a Patent, but a good Patent Attorney will maximise your chances of success. We also carry out product searches prior to any application so that the chances of failure are minimised.
Make a Prototype
Making a fully functioning production prototype is the ultimately rewarding experience that awaits you at this part of the process. Whatever material this is made from, we have a way to do this for you. If your product will be a plastic injection moulded item, we will print this for you on our 3D printer or if your product requires fabrication from other materials we can also do this for you. Whatever the material, it can be done. At the end of this process, being able to hold, touch and feel your own creation is amazing! At this stage of things, we can also introduce you to manufacturers, both here and in China, who can deliver your product on time, on budget and with quality.
Take your product to market
By this stage of the process you may have a clear idea of how you are going to profit from your invention. Some sell their Patent to a company, others make their product themselves and in doing so create a business, or it may be that you already have a business where this product becomes part of your portfolio. You could get paid a royalty for every product sold or made or you could even go on Dragons Den! Don’t forget that you need to protect your ideas before discussing with others, possibly with the collaboration of your Patent Attorney, to ensure the correct contracts are in place before divulging your ideas to would be purchasers.
You get an idea of the process, first we need to speak, then sign an NDA, design the product, apply for a Patent and finally create the prototype, the first exciting steps in turning your imagination into reality. If you are serious about taking those step all you have to do next is click the button below and get in contact to arrange the free exploratory meeting.
Some of the projects we have been involved with
Battery operated switchable glass vision panel, using just two AA batteries, the inverted power is recycled back into the battery packs.
Part of a team that developed a worldwide, multi-industry 3D measuring and reverse engineering tool.
The Worlds first Robotic Arm CNC Milling Machine. These are now widely used in many manufacturing industries.
In collaboration with British Aerospace Engineering, designed the torpedo doors for a Nuclear Submarine.
A system for shortening the time involved in making and fitting armour plating to the aircraft carrier; HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Improved production cost solutions for Sunseeker, Farline, Sealine, Princess, Oyster Marine and Discovery Yachts.
Privacy Policy | Mapping | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions
Copyright © I4Imagineering Ltd All Rights Reserved
Company Registration Number 10913228