The idea seems detached enough from practical realities to get serious cooperation.
You would have to present an explanation of how it is supposed to work to get someone to spend time on it. (Or, pay for their time.)
But, if you get SBIR funding, there's something like $100k to develop it to the point of being taken seriously. (You can pay for someone's time.)
If you file a patent disclosure, that can give you some protection during further development and sharing info.
But if it is viable, others can invent related things and box you in so you can't use the idea without licensing their patents.
You can enter a NDA to keep people given information from being allowed to leak it. Doesn't necessarily protect you from loss if they do.
One guy here offered his idea of "Fully buffered Solar Panels", and received plenty of critical but useful feedback.
1. "The idea seems detached enough from practical realities to get serious cooperation"
How many times have the Columbus types of this world heard that form of encouragement from their "expert" counterparts?
2. "You would have to present an explanation of how it is supposed to work to get someone to spend time on it. (Or, pay for their time.)
But, if you get SBIR funding, there's something like $100k to develop it to the point of being taken seriously. (You can pay for someone's time.)"
SBIRs and other Federal research grants provide funding for feasibility studies. I seek someone with the technical credentials to validate the design and develop it.
3. "If you file a patent disclosure, that can give you some protection during further development and sharing info.
But if it is viable, others can invent related things and box you in so you can't use the idea without licensing their patents.
You can enter an NDA to keep people given information from being allowed to leak it. Doesn't necessarily protect you from loss if they do."
All true and very good advice. Patent Disclosures and CDAs are the means to protect Intellectual Properties.
4. "One guy here offered his idea of "Fully buffered Solar Panels", and received plenty of critical but useful feedback"
The IP is not covered by a CDA, nor has a preliminary patent been applied for. I know you are intrigued and will send it to you based on a cyber handshake and your integrity. You will not have to read the full ten pages. It will all be evident from the Preamble on Page 1. If you do not want to take on the project, I ask for the use of your good name and a referral to one of your contacts who you believe would be interested in championing the project.