19. Invention, intellectual property and income

For my final project I’ve decided to further develop my wave machine originally developed the group project. More documentation of my project’s development can be found on the project pages, week 15 and week 17, along with week 18’s page.

Here’s the original sketch for the wave machine module from the group project.

For the final, this wave machine will not function to move a ball horizontally, but rather to be a stand alone soothing dynamic wave form. Think of it like pleasant background music. I imagine this could become a commericial product - like a bubbling gurgling water fall you might set in your living room.

Plan for Dissemination

I imagine this Makeswaves machine to be sold as a novelty product in Brookstone store or the like. I think it could be patented, it has common mechanics used perhaps for a novel purpose.

slide draft here:

video draft here:

I also compressed the video for direct upload to my root folder.

I used EaseFab Video Converter with the following settings, reducing my file size from 97mb to 7mb:

What tasks have been completed: I have 3 iterative prototypes produced, tested. The concept is sound. I have the basic structural design of the machine modeled. I have the motor, coupler, and shaft ready to go. I have the cams 3d printed and will reuse them.

What tasks remain? I need to design, mill, and program the boards for sensing input (potentiometer) I need to design and laser cut the living hinge surface I need to laser cut the new structural casing I need to consider wire management I need to design the power source (9v battery) I need to assemble the whole system

What has worked? What hasn’t? What questions need to be resolved?

What will happen when?

What have you learned?