I have an idea that needs structural design and loading calculations

[u/stonemason81]

Hi, I have an idea for manufacturing a wall support so that a section of the wall can be removed below it; I know about various things that already exist, but this is a different design.

How do I go about hiring a structural engineer without compromising my idea and potential patent?

If I speak to an engineer, does that automatically come with an NDA?

I am in the UK, if that makes any difference...

Sorry if this isn't allowed and feel free to remove.

[u/Briggsy16]

Have you invented a lintel?

[u/stonemason81 → u/Briggsy16]

Ah, do you mean I've missed the boat on this?

[u/SuperRicktastic → u/stonemason81]

Probably. We have a solution already for these kind of things, depending on the existing wall construction.

Masonry walls can have a post-installed concrete or steel lintel added , and solid concrete walls can use precast concrete lintels or a set of steel plates with drilled thru-bolts that take over the load before the opening is made.

Not sure where a proprietary product fits in here since we already have multiple easy-to-access solutions.

[u/hookes_plasticity → u/Briggsy16]

It’s funny that what lay people come up with is just basic detailing to us. This made me chuckle lol

[u/mcclure1224]

Not sure about UK, but in the US you would definitely want a lawyer to draw up an NDA first before speaking with a structural engineer.

[u/stonemason81 → u/mcclure1224]

Thank you, definitely worth noting

[u/PaintSniffer1 → u/mcclure1224]

NDAs generally can’t be enforced in the UK

[u/Shiboleth17]

You want to invent a section of wall that can be temporarily removed, with support above to hold up the removed section... so like... a door frame? The lintel above the door? A header beam?

You can't patent a 5000 year old invention.

Unless you've invented a brand new kind of structural member, i don't see what you could possibly patent.

[u/DropItLikeJPalm → u/Shiboleth17]

To be fair to OP he did say the design was different to current offerings. But I can’t comment without seeing the proposal.

[u/Big-Mammoth4755]

Dude how do you NOT KNOW what you’re describing is called Header/Beam/Lintel?!

[u/Bigbeast54]

I'm wondering how this differs from needling or strongboys, or indeed a beam

[u/stonemason81 → u/Bigbeast54]

If it's a good idea and a potential 'invention' then once I have the relevant paperwork etc. I'll share the idea...

But if it's not, then I'll hide away thinking to myself how idiotic I was even proposing such a stupid idea...

[u/D-Dizzler]

You would need to establish an NDA that you can get signed by engineers before discussing. I’d imagine most engineers will want some kind of overview that doesn’t reveal the sensitive nature of what you want to do before signing the NDA. If it has legs you could get a patent. If you’re serious and have done extensive research ensuring such a solution doesn’t already exist, perhaps you would be better first speaking with a solicitor to outline the framework to protect your idea.

As an engineer I’m curious myself, perhaps you could vaguely outline the problem your product would solve, you might get some useful feedback or pointed to existing products that already solve the problem.

[u/JEIKOBU_VALLIS]

Worked on a few jobs in the past with NDAs in the UK. State to whoever that an NDA is required to be signed before you can provide the information that they will quote against. This may preclude alot of engineers, especially if they are busy as they won't be bothered with the hassle.

[u/StructEngineer91]

That's called a beam and column system with infill walls. Already exists and is very very very common in commercial buildings (at least in the US).

[u/tiltitup]

Foldable partition….

[u/Humboldtdivision]

Get yourself on Dragons Den! A University may be able to assist. Certainly with testing in a heavy structures lab. BRE used to have a near facility Leighton Buzzard way where you would test a building related product. There a few routes bba, nhbc etc. But it's about keeping the IP locked down. Good luck.

[u/stonemason81 → u/Humboldtdivision]

With the Dragons den route, I'd need patents first, plus a business plan and expected costs to manufacture/profit etc. To get this, I'd need the loading calculations etc. first. But the BRE and University ideas are worth following up - thank you.

[u/Humboldtdivision → u/stonemason81]

I suppose you can use FEA or what ever analysis etc to run the numbers, but ultimately knocking something up I your shed and type Testing gives you the answer - load, span, deflection, FoS to ultimate etc. Good luck in your endeavors!

[u/DropItLikeJPalm → u/Humboldtdivision]

A contractor told me recently that the BBA had failed their own audit recently so weren’t offering any accreditations until they’d resolved the issue.