What the four examples demonstrate
The four-page source explains why four projects satisfied R&D conditions. Each combines a clear technical objective with novelty or technical risk and a systematic, investigative and experimental approach (SIE), supported by records. It supplies examples of qualifying work, not a deduction percentage or a guarantee that any superficially similar project qualifies.
Example 1: piezoelectric miniature motors
A solid-state product company with testing/calibration services investigated piezoelectric effects in miniature motors for mass-consumer products. Literature searches at project commencement showed the technology and matching consumer products were unavailable. Unlike electromagnetic motors, the proposed approach was novel, with minute dimensions and motion presenting specialised challenges not readily resolvable by a competent professional. Evidence comprised design drawings, simulations for different designs and analysis; prototype experiments, deficiencies and solutions; an R&D plan with a defined timeline; and substantive integration of the unique engineering design.
Example 2: fan ventilation 10% beyond existing capability
A ventilation-product designer/manufacturer aimed to improve efficiency by 10% beyond company and industry capability. Impeller curvature, length, thickness, housing, resonance and turbulence interacted unpredictably, causing noise, vibration and performance loss. It experimented with blade count, blade design, width/height and blade-width-to-wheel-diameter ratio. Different combinations were prototyped on industrial motors, graphically analysed and iterated to improve efficiency and reduce unwanted effects. Prototype designs, experiments/results and further evaluation supported the objective, technical risk and SIE.
Example 3: a thin high-performance gaming laptop
A computer manufacturer sought a uniquely cooled, thin and light gaming laptop running recent games at high settings, unavailable within its target dimensions/weight at commencement. Experiments varied thermal placement on the mainboard and examined fan speed versus component heat. Failed prototypes prompted relocation of components and new tests. Increasing fan speed could itself create more heat, so airflow, heat-wave spread and interactions were repeatedly tested and redesigned to avoid concentration. The source gives no numerical weight target; do not add one.
Example 4: scalable cloud video analytics
A software business sought an open, robust cloud-enabled video-analytics platform with a common exchange repository, improving an existing platform that could not operate at scale. A benchmarking tool for accuracy and performance presented technical risk. Architecture diagrams and module functions documented uncertain combination of HOG and LBP detection with deep-learning classification, not readily resolvable by competent professionals. Accuracy/speed reports showed planned, orderly investigation and iterative testing of solutions, satisfying SIE.
Build the evidence during the project
Retain commencement literature searches, baseline capability, objectives, uncertainty, designs, failed tests, measured results and reasons for redesign. The examples depend on what was known when work started and how uncertainty was investigated, rather than the commercial label of innovation or the eventual success alone.
Official source
This article independently explains the substantive contents of the official PDF, including the relevant conditions, procedures and annexes. The linked document remains the authoritative source for its original wording, and later changes should be checked separately.
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