First off, my final project is one part to a larger machine. My lab is collectively constructing an automated ping pong ball dispenser. My part of the project is an automatic slider machine which will allow
for the ball dispenser to move left and right across the width of the ping pong table. Now, my machine has been made many times before and so I dont seek patent, copyright, or trademark protections.
The design and purpose of THIS project
is to prove that I have advanced on the understanding and manipulation of skills taught throughout the fabrication course. On this particular project I am not seeking financial gain and my only motivation is to advance on my digital fabrication skills.
If this were a project that needed patent, copyright, and trademark protections then I would do so and make it primarily for other 501-(C)(3) or public educational institution usage.
This machine could be very useful in visual media production courses for both high schools as well as universities.
I would seek funding from organizations like SMART which offers useful technologies like the "Smart Board" to educational, governmental, and for-profit agencies across the world.
I would also seek funding from government agencies like the Department of Education that offer technology grants for good tech ideas that would be useful in educational environments.
I would also strongly consider putting my work on Thingiverse.com and Instructables.cominstructables.com for the opensource network of makers and designers out there. |