Invention prototypes and/or models - worth their weight in gold

The US Patent Office did away with the requirement for invention prototypes / models in 1880.

However, a model, or prototype is usually very important.

Getting from the "invention residing in your brain", to an actual functioning product is called "reducing the invention to practice", and almost invariably leads to the discovery of a number of problems with details that are not clearly evident when only residing in your mind.

Producing a model will help you find the best way to manufacture the device you have invented. It can be useful for all sorts of things like figuring out where to put labels, what the shipping weight will be, how to best package it, what it might cost to manufacture it, and to get feedback from test users.

If you are going to try to raise money to manufacture the product yourself, or it your demonstrating it to a potential customer to get a big order, you will need the prototype if you are not already in production.

People just don't have much imagination. With a prototype your audience will not need one. It makes the invention "real" for them, adding tremendously to your credibility. Having a good prototype will help sell the product even if it is not even in production yet.

Prototypes remove the element of uncertainty and make the product real.

DON'T put off prototype building until after you file your patent application. You will probably discover flaws or new features, or discover possible manufacturing problems. With rare exception prototyping is very worthwhile.

Testing is very important. A prototype allows you to actually test your invention in a meaningful way.

By searching online you can find model and prototype building companies who can build it for you.

Sure there are times when a prototype is not practical, if it is too expensive for example, but if it is at all possible, I highly recommend a prototype be produced.