Illuminated Tool Shaft

 

Design, Prototyping & Manufacturing Support

 

Background

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If you have you ever used a screwdriver in a dark area, you know how hard it can be to align the tool tip with the screw head! Flashlights can help, but can be very difficult to use while  simultaneously trying to use your other hand to line up the threads and engage the screw head! Frustrated with this common occurrence, Keith invented and patented an innovative lighting solution that attaches directly to the shaft of the screwdriver, allowing the user to simultaneously illuminate and engage the screw head with one hand, even in very tight spaces!

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Proof of Concept vs. Commercial Version Prototype Design?

 

When Keith contacted DCP his invention was simply an idea on paper. Upon review, DCP offered 2 prototype options. One was to develop a more affordable proof of concept prototype using as many off the shelf components as possible versus a more customized (and expensive), best-effort, commercial version prototoype.  Keith decided to start with a more affordable proof of concept prototype to get a physical prototype in his hands that he could test so he could determine what areas needed improvement.  

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Prototype Development, Testing and Refinements

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Designing and building the first prototype took many months.  Once Keith had the prototype in hand he realized there were many improvements he wanted to make in areas such as the battery life, charging system, light intensity, size and also the friction fit of the compression sleeve to the tool shaft.

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With all of these improvements in mind, Keith then proceeded with a custom, closer to production quality prototype with the goal of incorporating all of these improvements into the new prototype.

 

While not perfect, the prototype features, functionality and quality was much closer to the commercial version he envisioned.  Most importantly, it was determined that the existing limitations in the prototype should likely be remedied by the inherent superiority of manufactured parts vs. prototype materials and part making processes.  Keith decided to manufacture his product.

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Manufacturing support

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DCP then connected Keith with their manufacturing  and sourcing expert to manufacture his product.  The opinion that the limitations in the prototypes could be remedied in production was correct!  Now Keith has high quality manufactured and packaged inventory and is selling his product in dozens of retail hardware stores throughout the north east United States! 

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Testimonial

 

“Working with DCP has been a great experience. They kept me updated throughout the process and were very responsive to questions, concerns and suggestions.  I recommend DCP to anyone who is looking for a cost-effective way to develop a quality prototype for a relatively complex electrical/electronic product.”

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Keith P. - Long Island, NY