Solving a Problem

 

Steve, the inventor of the vent fan, had several rooms in his house that were hard to heat and cool due to weaker air flow caused by their distance from the main HVAC unit.  Having to constantly adjust the thermostat to compensate for this was also a nuisance and it also increased the heating and cooling bills!  Frustrated, Steve began working on a new invention give the stubborn vents the extra push they need!

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Virtual Prototyping

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Steve initially hired DCP to create a computer-generated virtual prototypes and 3D video to virtually demonstrate and explain his product and was very pleased with the results.  However, after a year of marketing his product without any bites.  Steve decided that the next step should be to create a high-quality working prototype to prove his concept.  Steve searched exhaustively to find a local west coast company to assist him with his prototype but he could not find affordable assistance.   Steve then asked if DCP would help him develop his physical prototype.

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Research & Feasibility

 

The project was started by researching the primary proposed features, functions and components to determine which components could be obtained off the shelf from existing suppliers and which ones needed to be custom designed and made.  After much research, analysis and comparison, we identified several existing components (such as fans, rechargeable batteries, sensors, wires and screws) that could be used to build and test the first prototype.  Still, many of the 25+ components (such as the external and internal housing, remote control, electronics,  and associated functions) had to be custom designed and built.

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Engineering, 3D CAD, Costing

 

After several months of collaboration the design was approved.  Then we performed detailed sourcing and costing exercises based on the approved design in order to determine the cost for the development of a physical prototype.  

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Physical Prototype

 

Steve, being very pleased with the results of the design service and the prototype cost,  hired DCP to build his first proof of concept prototype.  After 4 months of hard work, Steve's vent fan prototype was finished and shipped to him.  Steve loved his prototype! It worked well and was powerful, efficient and quiet.  With a completed prototype, Steve has generated a lot of interest from distributors, retailers and consumers.  Currently, the prototype is scheduled to be reviewed by Home Depot in order to determine order interest.

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Testimonial

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“Working with the Dirt Cheap Prototypes team the last 3 years has been fantastic.  Not only have they always put 100% into helping me reach my goals but we have also developed a close personal friendship through brainstorming and working together through all of my product development challenges.  I would highly recommend Dirt Cheap Prototypes to anyone who is serious about properly developing and protecting their innovation with an eye towards manufacturing and the marketplace.”

 

Steve R. - UT