Invention Diary #11: Working Toward the First Metal Prototype Batch

INVENTION DIARY · ENTRY 11

Our next engineering step is becoming more concrete. We now have a proposed fabrication approach, a written engineering-review proposal, and additional fabrication referrals to consider as we work toward a small batch of metal prototypes.

Project update: November 3, 2026.

---

From a Verified Print Toward Metal

In Entry #8, we shared that we had printed and assembled V35 and verified its fit and mechanical operation. That gives us a physical reference for the next engineering conversations.

For us—Greg and Gayla—the next objective is a small metal prototype batch. We are reviewing the available approaches and the work each would involve before committing to the next build.

The printed model has helped us check how the parts assemble and move. Because those checks were unheated, they do not tell us how a metal version will perform in use. That is part of the work ahead.

Engineering Conversations Are Becoming Concrete

Tinker has clarified its proposed approach to fabricating the prototypes and responded to our questions about preserving the device’s intended functions. We have asked to arrange a Zoom review of the CAD so we can work through the details together.

Enventys has provided a proposal for an engineering review of V35, with a written assessment and recommendations for making the design suitable for manufacturing. We are reviewing that proposed scope as a possible step toward the metal prototype batch.

CADform 3D has also provided referrals for metal printing and machining. Those give us additional avenues to investigate as we compare fabrication options. These conversations are helping us define the next stage; fabrication and evaluation of the new metal prototypes are still ahead.

Preserving What the Prototype Needs to Do

Moving toward fabrication means being clear about the functions the design needs to preserve. A change that makes a part easier to produce still needs to support the way the assembled device is intended to work.

Our current focus is on communicating those requirements clearly enough for an engineering developer to assess the next build. We want the next prototype stage to answer practical questions about assembly, operation, maintenance, and repeatability. Detailed mechanisms and unfiled design changes remain within our patent and engineering discussions.

Letting Earlier Use Guide the Questions

The experiences described in Entry #9 remain useful as we plan this next stage. All of our initial users have reported adopting the device for regular use. That is encouraging feedback from a small early group, alongside practical lessons about cleaning, buildup, and screen wear.

Those observations help us identify what deserves attention in a future evaluation. How easy is the device to keep clean? What wears with repeated use? Can maintenance be handled consistently? A useful next prototype should help us answer those questions.

We are also keeping the different versions distinct. Feedback from an earlier working prototype helps set priorities, but it does not establish the performance of a redesigned version that has not yet been evaluated in the same way.

Keeping Patent Work and Engineering Moving Together

Our last entry shared the favorable written opinion on the original PCT application. That remains an encouraging milestone as we consider the application’s next steps and continue preparing the separate application for the redesigned device.

For this update, the engineering objective is the central story: turning a verified printed model and a growing testing record into a well-defined next prototype stage. We will share further filing and fabrication milestones when they occur.

What Comes Next

Our immediate priorities are to review the proposed engineering and fabrication work, arrange the next CAD discussion, and settle the scope, materials, cost, and timing for a small prototype batch. We also want to define the checks that will make that batch useful before it is built.

VetVention continues to assist us with the SnuffRing project, and we appreciate that support. You can read more about the connection on our Mission page.

If you would like to take part in future feedback, our Founding Tester Program explains how to express interest. Thank you for following along as we work toward the next build.