Can anyone suggest how one might be able to inquire on or discuss an idea to improve a product or operation process without jeopardizing a possible interest to peruse its development. Or perhaps just be able to submit to the R&D of an existing company for review on its potential for adoption, or rejection. Because frankly I’ve heard the patent process is really a drag and is riddled with hurdles, brick walls and a deafening sound of slamming doors..
My question is that even though I’ve not seen my idea in the field, (primarily the commercial/wholesale refrigeration food market)
I would love to run it by some real experts, (preferably the intelligently brilliant yet humble type as apposed to the intelligently brilliant arrogant, condescending type), so that I may know if it exists, or if its practical or if it would even work.
My idea is an improvement process for a more efficient defrost cycle of low temperature fan or static coils within the supermarket, wholesale cold storage industry.
The process(idea), utilized a combination of electric and hot gas defrost features while considerably reducing power consumption. Other benefits might be:
Avoiding flood backs - no need for third hot gas line - Able to modify existing systems, hot gas or electrical - able to achieve similar defrost times as full hot gas system - Is more accurate as to avoid excessive heat infiltration - Greatly reduces potential compressor ware or damage..... And so on..
I have a prototype of the concept within a customers 36' frozen ice cream case line up. So far I’ve only toyed with it while doing other work there. Meaning, I haven’t felt comfortable yet to leave it unattended, but it seems to be working well.

Let me just say this, I’m not the engineer or technically detailed type but more the conceptual/innovator type that can think outside the box. Though I’m admittingly humble and receptive to correction or insight that would either support or even squash an Idea.. Hey, sometimes the squash part would be greatly welcomed so that I could stop pondering possible dead ends.
Mike