Guys,
I am developing a business plan for a capstone project for my Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. For the project, I have decided to design a contraption that would facilitate entry into a tall/lifted vehicle for elderly, handicapped, wounded warriors, etc. I already searched for patents in the USPTO website, and so far, there is no granted patent or application for a product exactly like my idea.
I studied electro-mechanics in the Navy 30 years ago. I am also somewhat mechanically inclined, but I do not have the engineering background needed to design a mass-produced device that is safe and user friendly without help.
At any rate, I am looking for an engineer/student or a fabricator that would e interested in talking shop with me, i.e. help me transform my idea into
a workable design with realistic load tables, stress calculations, gear ratios, pivot points, etc. Knowledge of metallurgy, material procurement and handling, welding, fasteners/electro-mechanics/hydraulics/pneumatics a plus. Knowledge of lightweight metals for automotive applications would be awesome. Jeep owners that live and breathe the platform for which my design be marketed for are the icing on the cake.
Consider this a "startup"; actually, just a class project, for now. As such, compensation is zero-to-low right now (I would consider hourly fee or flat fee, but this would be out of pocket for me). Potential income for the right partner will be proportionate to "sweat equity", should the product get recognition and sales. Someone with previous business venture experience is welcome, as well.
My vision is to create a product that: 1. solves a problem (helping load mom or grandma, yourself if you have a broken leg, et. into your lifted Jeep); 2. help communities (improve the quality of life of SUV owners and families so they do not have to loose money and trade cars -like I was forced to do- because of #1; 3. create local jobs , and use American raw material and brain-trust, right here in Maryland. I will not manufacture abroad, and preferably, out of state neither. and; 4. provides charity; I plan to donate a portion of proceeds to NGOs involved in autism research or homeless veterans.
Non-disclosure agreements must be signed before any details are given out.
Thanks!
I am developing a business plan for a capstone project for my Graduate Certificate in Business Administration. For the project, I have decided to design a contraption that would facilitate entry into a tall/lifted vehicle for elderly, handicapped, wounded warriors, etc. I already searched for patents in the USPTO website, and so far, there is no granted patent or application for a product exactly like my idea.
I studied electro-mechanics in the Navy 30 years ago. I am also somewhat mechanically inclined, but I do not have the engineering background needed to design a mass-produced device that is safe and user friendly without help.
At any rate, I am looking for an engineer/student or a fabricator that would e interested in talking shop with me, i.e. help me transform my idea into
a workable design with realistic load tables, stress calculations, gear ratios, pivot points, etc. Knowledge of metallurgy, material procurement and handling, welding, fasteners/electro-mechanics/hydraulics/pneumatics a plus. Knowledge of lightweight metals for automotive applications would be awesome. Jeep owners that live and breathe the platform for which my design be marketed for are the icing on the cake.
Consider this a "startup"; actually, just a class project, for now. As such, compensation is zero-to-low right now (I would consider hourly fee or flat fee, but this would be out of pocket for me). Potential income for the right partner will be proportionate to "sweat equity", should the product get recognition and sales. Someone with previous business venture experience is welcome, as well.
My vision is to create a product that: 1. solves a problem (helping load mom or grandma, yourself if you have a broken leg, et. into your lifted Jeep); 2. help communities (improve the quality of life of SUV owners and families so they do not have to loose money and trade cars -like I was forced to do- because of #1; 3. create local jobs , and use American raw material and brain-trust, right here in Maryland. I will not manufacture abroad, and preferably, out of state neither. and; 4. provides charity; I plan to donate a portion of proceeds to NGOs involved in autism research or homeless veterans.
Non-disclosure agreements must be signed before any details are given out.
Thanks!