New Prototype Design Process: Integrating Designing Around Existing Patents and the Theory of Inventive Problem-Solving

To guarantee a higher efficiency in research and development as well as substantial returns on investment, it is essential that corporations reduce the costs incurred by R & D departments. Based on three stages of technological innovation, this paper proposes an integrated process of systematic innovation for redesigning prototypes. This process integrates technology analysis, patent design-around strategies, innovative design methods in the theory of inventive problem-solving, rules of patent infringement judgment, and how to innovate by designing around existing patent. There is a case study that it is expected a redesign of prototypes of light guide panels by design-around strategies to avoid infringement of existing patents can be used to illustrate the integrated process.