New Technology Inventions in the Field of Mechanical Engineering
The field of Mechanical Engineering can prove fertile ground for new inventions that qualify for SR&ED tax credits. Typically these new technology inventions are paired with other fields of engineering such as hydraulics, electronics, materials selection, etc, but it is not necessary, in defining the project for new product development funding (or existing product improvement) under the SR&ED program, to limit the technological advancement to only one field. Often characterized by the demands of competing constraints and/or requirements in use, experimentation, analysis, and prototype engineering are often a necessity to create the new technology inventions (or existing product improvements).

Does a Cost Constraint Qualify My New Innovation?
Cost may be one of the constraints, which often leads to a complex mix of technological constraints requiring research in engineering design. Cost constraints combined with small niche market areas are also often the hallmark of Canadian manufacturers, with very specific and frequently rapidly-changing, applications demanded. Properly described and documented, these factors can contribute to a new innovation’s qualification. Incremental improvements to existing products are also supported by the program.

What About Regulatory Requirements For My New
Product Development Funding?
Regulatory requirements may also lead to new technology inventions, and impose significant constraints on the research in engineering design process, requiring constant experimental development and refinement of mechanical equipment. The follow-on activity required to reliably establish the ability of the new invention (or existing product improvement) to meet the regulatory requirements is included in the overall SR&ED project envelope, as long as the initial project qualifies.

TSGI Experience
TSGI, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada currently has clients engaged in, and has filed numerous SR&ED claims in, Mechanical Engineering.