How do you get an idea into reality?

[Kwacker]

I had the exhaust mod done on my chimaera a good three years ago and I love it. But I have thought several times it would be nice to be able to adjust it back to normal.

I have thought of a solution, but I lack the skill to enable me to make it and get to the ideal of a variable sports exhaust. Quiet setting for track days or late arrivals into the neighbourhood and Loud setting for the Bangs and Pops I like so much.

How do I get mine done (lets call it a prototype) and allow whoever does it to sell it to everyone else? Could I get royalties for the idea? (I don't want much, but the idea of someone else getting all the money bugs me.)


Rights reserved, patients pending, and a baseball bat for anyone nicking my idea!

Kwacker

[S3 Kieran]

I've always wanted a baseball bat - are you giving away a ball and glove as well?

I thought Yamaha had sorted the exhaust thing with their 'EXUP' valve - you could always slap one of those in

Edited to say, more seriously, I think there is a bike silencer with something similar - I remember someone on the Ducati Monster forum talking about one (aftermarket) they'd fitted.

But if it is something different, surely sports car/ aftermarket firms may be interested.

...and a cheap alternative to patenting the idea - mail yourself a copy of your ideas and keep sealed: evidence your idea pre-dated the thief you later show and rips you off.

Ho hum

>> Edited by S3 Kieran on Tuesday 18th May 15:14

[.Mark]

Didn't Aston or Ferrari do something like this? Variable baffles that when you large it move out of the way for a better noise?
Anyway if you think of an idea that works, I'll have one.

As for the rest, I'm not sure. I'm currently talking with Fernhurst about a zip out rear screen to stop them getting damaged, I'm happy to be the guinea pig for it and if it works I'd be more than happy for them to share it.

[greenv8s]

Approach a suitable manufacturer, tell them the idea is commercially confidential, tell them the idea, see if they are interested in helping you develop the idea. Alternatively, buy one of the existing adjustable tailpipe baffles which is probably the easiest solution for this sort of problem.

[jayjay]

You need to document the idea and file for a patent.

Or, the cheapest and easist why to protect your idea is to put a copy in an envelope and then mail it to yourself. You then have a sealed record (showing the mailing date) should you ever need it in court in the future.

[DustyC]

Already seen a modded Supra with a piece of kit on from Japan that allows you to alter the sound from iside the car. Basically it is a butterfly valve with a cable that closes up the free flowing pipe. The more its open that louder it gets.

Also custom cars (yanks etc) have the exhausts running down the side with blank covers on the side just prior to the silencers. For shows etc they can take the blanks off for full volume.

[diddyman]

A chum has a Carrera 4 with adjustable baffles - whisper mode for leaving and returning to the house and noisy mode for everywhere else. I think it is just a button on the dash, but I am not sure.