 Why did Kalvin continue researching on his own at home?
I want it completely developed, engineered and tooled-up, ready for production. A designer had to dream at his board, investigate, search, build, test, compare, discard. He had always wanted to devote all his time to research, but Piltdon Opener had not given him that opportunity. What had happened, to the proud dream he once had, the dream of exploring uncharted engineering regions, of unlimited time to investigate and develop? Twenty-five years of your life you put in with Piltdon, and he'd fire you just like that if you don't do the impossible. "I drew my pay every week so I suppose I have no complaints.
 He wanted to better understand the technology and create a solution.
 He wanted to be sure it was safe.  He needed to work extra hours to meet the deadline.  He wanted to patent the Super-Opener idea for himself.  He wanted to better understand the technology and create a solution.