Converting Kinetic Energy to Electrical Energy: Engineering Considerations

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations for converting kinetic energy to electrical energy, focusing on the necessary steps for an individual without engineering expertise to pursue this idea. Participants explore the roles of engineers and patent attorneys in the process of developing and protecting an invention.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the individual should contact an engineer to calculate energy production and determine the appropriate turbine and generator sizes.
  • Another participant proposes that a patent attorney should be contacted first for legal and confidentiality matters before moving on to engineering considerations.
  • Some participants argue that a patent attorney may not perform the necessary upfront work and recommend finding a consultant with a secrecy clause in their contract.
  • There is a discussion about the costs associated with setting up a new invention, with one participant noting that legal fees may vary based on the attorney's experience and the complexity of the invention.
  • Another participant emphasizes that having a physical prototype is crucial for patent credit, not just the idea itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the order of contacting professionals, with some advocating for starting with a patent attorney while others emphasize the need for engineering consultation first. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the importance of confidentiality and the need for a well-defined contract when engaging with consultants. There is also uncertainty regarding the costs involved in the patenting process and the development of the invention.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in inventing, patenting processes, and those seeking guidance on the engineering aspects of energy conversion technologies.

NEPA
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Someone comes up with an idea to convert kinetic to electrical energy. Who should he contact? He needs to find an Engineer to calculate the amount of energy that could be produced / size of turbine / what kind of generator / size of generator, etc. based on the amount of energy displaced to turn the turbine. Individual is NOT an Engineer. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance for your consideration.
 
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NEPA said:
Someone comes up with an idea to convert kinetic to electrical energy. Who should he contact? He needs to find an Engineer to calculate the amount of energy that could be produced / size of turbine / what kind of generator / size of generator, etc. based on the amount of energy displaced to turn the turbine. Individual is NOT an Engineer. Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks in advance for your consideration.

A Patent Attorney.

CS
 
I would think a patent engineer/lawyer won't do the upfront work you would need. You would need a consultant that has a well written out secrecy clause as part of their standard contract. Once that is done and he verifies the details and feasibility of your product, then you move to the patent stage.
 
FredGarvin said:
I would think a patent engineer/lawyer won't do the upfront work you would need. You would need a consultant that has a well written out secrecy clause as part of their standard contract. Once that is done and he verifies the details and feasibility of your product, then you move to the patent stage.

That's why he needs an attorney who specializes in patents first, for the legal/confidentiality matters. Then he'll need an engineer to develop the idea.

CS
 
Yeah. I guess that would work. Do a patent search first and then develop.
 
if you did come up with a new idea that hasn't been patented, how much would it cost for the whole setup do you think? i have no previous experience here. i am just interested in being an inventorexlcuding the benefits and royalties that would hopefully come after your patent.
 
taylaron said:
if you did come up with a new idea that hasn't been patented, how much would it cost for the whole setup do you think? i have no previous experience here. i am just interested in being an inventor


exlcuding the benefits and royalties that would hopefully come after your patent.

Are you asking how much it would cost in legal fees? If so then it would probably depend on the attorney (i.e. how much experience they have) and the invention (i.e. how much research time they have to spend on it). I would suggest consulting with one first to get an idea.

CS
 
Here is a ton of info on patents. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/help/item/Legal-Definition.html"

Basically though, you have to have more than the idea on paper. The first to actally build the device gets credit.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
sounds like i got some work to do...
 

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