INVENTION, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY & INCOME

Developing a dissemination plan for my remote-controlled balloon-popping car project



Assignment Checklist

Status Task Evidence
Created a dissemination plan for your final project View
Outlined future possibilities and described how to make them probabilities View
Uploaded a draft summary slide and video View

Key Concepts

Invention

An invention is an object, technique, or process that possesses novel and transformative characteristics. Some inventions represent innovative creations without precedent in science or technology that expand the boundaries of human knowledge.

Intellectual Property

A legal term for intangible creations of the mind, such as inventions, artistic and literary works, designs, and symbols, names, and images used in commerce. It protects the rights of creators and encourages innovation.

Business Models

A "abstract representation of an organization, whether textual or graphical, of all related concepts, financial agreements, and operational strategies that define how the organization creates, delivers, and captures value."

Dissemination Plan

Project Origin

This project was born from a competition to improve my grades. It has been exciting in all its versions as I've built my own remote-controlled car from scratch, which is thrilling. The thought of having gone through a 0-100 process that I'm proud of is rewarding.

Previous Experience

I previously built a car with Arduino and MDF wood, but it doesn't compare to a car built solely with the help of teachers and classmates. I've spent much of my time solving unknowns to improve performance and the function my little car will serve in the battle royale competition.

Code Development

The code was taken from a program, edited by ChatGPT, and rectified by me, which has all worked out very well. This iterative process of development has been crucial in refining the car's functionality.

Licensing

"Creative Commons provides a legal framework for flexibly managing copyright. Their licenses allow you to specify permitted uses of your works, such as reproduction, distribution, and modification, adapting to your needs and those of your community."

Future Possibilities

Technical Improvements

To achieve better stability of the car, I'll need to adapt a better design based on my wheels. If I want it to be faster, I'll have to resize the design, remove a bit more infill, and increase the wheel gauge.

Potential Enhancements

  • Improved wheel and suspension system for better terrain handling
  • More powerful motor and battery combination
  • Enhanced remote control system with longer range
  • Modular design for easy part replacement
  • Integration of sensors for autonomous operation

Turning Possibilities into Probabilities

To make these improvements a reality, I will:

  1. Conduct systematic testing of different wheel designs
  2. Research optimal power-to-weight ratios
  3. Implement a phased development approach
  4. Seek feedback from competition participants
  5. Document all iterations for continuous improvement

Business Opportunities

Opportunity Potential Market Required Resources Estimated Timeline
DIY Kit Sales Hobbyists, STEM education Packaging, instructions, marketing 3-6 months
Competition Platform Engineering students, makers Event organization, rules framework 6-12 months
Custom Builds Enthusiasts, collectors Advanced fabrication tools Ongoing
Educational Workshops Schools, maker spaces Curriculum development 2-4 months

Project Summary

Summary Slide

Project Video

Project Files

Final Reflections

Key Takeaways
What I Learned
  • The importance of intellectual property protection for inventions
  • How to create an effective dissemination plan
  • The value of open-source licensing models
  • Basic principles of business model development
  • Strategies for continuous project improvement
Challenges Faced
  • Balancing open sharing with protection of my work
  • Developing a realistic dissemination strategy
  • Identifying viable future improvements
  • Creating professional summary materials
  • Understanding different licensing options

This assignment has been crucial in helping me think beyond just the technical aspects of my project. I've learned that invention doesn't stop at creation - protecting, sharing, and potentially monetizing my work are equally important considerations. The process of developing a dissemination plan forced me to think about who might benefit from my project and how to reach them effectively.

Exploring intellectual property options was particularly enlightening. I now understand that there are multiple ways to protect and share my work, each with different implications. The Creative Commons license I chose allows me to share my project while maintaining certain rights, which seems ideal for my current goals.