I'm trying to invent something...but where do I find the most efficient mechanisms for each part?

For example what is the cheapest most efficient design for a unidirectional gear that does not wear out?

I find it hard to imagine that someone has to reinvent the lock if they have a slightly different idea on how a doorknob functions. Now I know it is easy to find out how a lock is made, but what about other functions?

I know I don't HAVE to come up with all the small details for each design...just like I don't have to program the software myself if I want a computer function on an electronic device. But in this case, it is kind of important because the mechanism MAYBE new and I don't know where to check if it already exists. My help you invent company says not to worry about it yet till I get the general concept recorded at the PTO. But I want to know now, because the engineers(from helpyouinvent) who will look at my design will be far a way and will not be able to consult with me face to face.

Ps. The uni-directional gear was just an example, not real.

Found something like what I'm looking for.

http://www.amazon.com/Mechanisms-Mechani...

If the lock really isn't important to the functioning of the doorknob, then certainly use an existing one that meets your needs and don't reinvent it. But if the unidirectional gear is important to the essence of your invention, then you must either learn to design them yourself or find a trusted partner who can. No gear doesn't wear out, and the cheapest won't be the most efficient. If you are engineering, you need to make tradeoffs among conflicting requirements. If you are inventing, you need to decide whether the lock is irrelevant to the invention and can be left generic. You need to figure out exactly what about your invention is novel and hasn't been done before. Make a separate claim or a separate patent application for each novel idea. If you have dilligently tried to research whether your gear is novel, then claim it as novel and have your patent search company try to answer it. They do that all the time, and some get very good at it.

go to a doctor

i cant remember the name, but i saw a book once on his subject

Been there, done that.
What is your reason for wanting to invent somethig, or improve something ?
These engineers seem to be a good role model
for you.
To be honest I do not completely understand your questions.
The more precise your your questions are, the easier it is to find the answer.
The answers are out there.
What ever you think of someone has aleady thought of.
Written about it and the information is stored somewhere.
In your case it might be at the patent office.
Information is power, and information costs money.
Start small.
First things first.
Tinker for the enjoyment it gives you.

Your patent search advisers are correct. The functioning idea is what they will apply for a patent with and not the ready for market product.

A word of warning on patent lawyers. They will promise the world and take your money for the privilege. It may be worth refining and going direct into production if it is a low yield product.

If the cost of development is high, cost is high, margin is high (expected), then definitely patent the product.

If you are an individual attempting to patent a new idea reading the following web page is a good read. It might change the way you view patents

http://www.tinaja.com/patnt01.asp

Peter