I saw this article and thought it was very helpful explaining the various types of prototyping that are out there. Hope you find it useful
http://inventoropinion.blogspot.com/2011/07/pro...
pro•to•type
“The original or model on which something is based or formed”
I think Webster has it partially correct. However for most inventors a prototype is far more. In practice a prototype is both a learning tool and a puzzle. It’s rather like an artist with a lump of clay. The inventor is “molding” the prototype into his/her vision of that invention in their mind. Along the way it will teach them about the theory and ultimately prove or disprove the hypothesis.
That’s what happens in general – although there are several kinds of prototypes. At some point most inventors will come in contact with one or more of them so let’s take a quick look.
Basic Prototyping – This is generally a home built effort. It isn’t pretty and it’s often made from things lying around the house, but it will prove the theory and it is the first step in making the distinction between Innovation and Inventing. For most of us this involves breaking the problem down to its basic functions and assembling parts that replicate those many functions into a new form.
I often walk the aisles of a retail store with a mental list of the functions I am trying to replicate and purchase items that have those parts. Then I retreat to my shop where I dismantle the items from the store and re-purpose those parts from my list. Remember, it doesn’t have to be pretty, it has to work.
Advanced Prototyping – Normally a little better looking than a basic prototyping effort, an advanced prototype is generally done with the help of a professional trade. That is, you have taken your basic prototype to a machine shop, or a plastics shop and had parts of it made professionally to assemble back in the garage. You sometimes hear this referred to as a “Looks Like – Works Like” model.
Manufacturing Prototype – This is where it gets a little more complicated. A manufacturing prototype is one that is EXACTLY like the final manufactured product. That is, it’s the exact shape, size and function of the final product. What sets this apart from other prototyping is that it can be used to create the machine tooling actually used in the manufacturing process.
In the old days this was it – you created a manufacturing prototype and you sent it out to a company who then took it apart and made all the tooling from it. That still happens today, but as technology advances the process has changed a bit and it’s not done that way as often as it used to be.
Virtual Prototyping – Created in a computer, this relatively new form of prototyping represents both good and bad to the inventor. At its most primitive, this form of prototyping is a 3D file that can be used to output data to a tool making machine.
Great for a simple part, but as your invention gets more complicated you will need to work in more complicated programs. These programs will allow you to do things like motion studies, flow dynamics, and in essence digitally create a manufacturing prototype.
This is very important because many inventors are being sold “virtual prototypes” that are nothing more than 3D pictures of their invention. This is NOT a prototype, it’s a picture, and unless you can output the data to the tool maker to actually create your product, don’t spend the money. Ask the company doing the files for you if their result can be used to create tooling.
As you can see the word “prototype” is a broad brush to paint with. Take the time to figure out not only where you are in the prototyping process, but where you’re headed. You can spend significant amounts of money in prototyping – make sure it’s the best money on the best process.
