April 2006

Welcome to our April issue of the newsletter.

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- Cold glass surface as heating source
- Waterproof paper
- Absorbing sound with hard materials
- Smart label senses quality of packaged meat
- Self adjusting mirror:
spotted by a CREAX newsreader
 

 
 Cold glass surface as heating source

IQ Glass transforms the cold surface of glass into a source of heating. Connected to the electrical wiring concealed within the walls of the room and frame of the window, IQ Glass heats spaces with radiant heat - a healthy, sumptuous heat comparable to that of the sun, minus UV rays. In single family residences, IQ Glass windows may be used as the sole heating source for an entire home.
http://www.iqglass.com

Property spectrum: Functionality
Increasing the number of dissimilar elements in a system can bring additional functionality, improved operability, and convenience. Dissimilarity of elements may be with respect to features, functionality or aesthetics. Note that at some point, the return on increasing the number of dissimilar elements in a system decays.

 
 Waterproof paper

Printouts made from a home inkjet printers are easily smeared by even the smallest drops of moisture. If you're looking for a more durable solution then you might want to look into ToughPrint's line of waterproof papers. Marketed as being 100% waterproof the paper can be used on any inkjet or laser printer. In addition to being able to simply wipe away water and dirt without smearing the image, they also resist crumpling and tearing. The ToughPrint Waterproof paper comes in both inkjet and laser versions and they're double-sided.
http://www.redferret.net

Property spectrum: Surface
This property describes the evolution of surface texture. Surfaces tend to evolve from flat, smooth surfaces towards bumpy surfaces with active pores. Dimpled surfaces may bring reduced drag, improved heat dispersion, and additional traction. Active pores allow the surface to respond to changes in its environment.

 
 Absorbing sound with hard materials

Most sound-absorbing plates are made of porous materials. De- Amp, a new Norwegian company founded by engineers from NTNU, has taken the opposite approach, using hard materials such as metal, plastics, glass and Plexiglas to muffle sound. The secret lies in very fine micro fissures that have been burnt right through the plates using a laser, combined with the design of the spacing between the fissures. The metal plates are less than one millimetre thick and are intended for indoor use, in ceilings or walls. The plates have to have a space of a few centimetres behind them to muffle the echo of bass and mid-range sounds, which are in the pitch of the human voice.
http://www.deamp.com

Property spectrum: Porosity
Solid bodies trend toward increased porosity. Porosity is achieved through the incorporation of hollow spaces or pores. Porosity allows for reduced weight, improved surface area, and the inclusion of active elements.

 
 Smart label senses quality of packaged meat

FreshQTM tells the processor, the retailer, and the consumer about the freshness of meat or poultry within a wrapped and sealed package. FreshQTM works whether the meat or poultry is refrigerated or at ambient temperature. It provides a graphic indication of the product's freshness at all points in the distribution channel. Unlike other products that measure time and temperature as an indication of food spoilage, this one is an absolute measurement of the level of freshness within the package.
http://www.fqsinternational.com

Property spectrum: Information
Systems and subsystems tend to evolve from requiring external input to becoming self-controlling through the use of feedback mechanisms.

 
 Self adjusting mirror

This month we selected the submission of Michel Lecoq from iTER .
The Self Adjusting Mirror Technology for Articulated HGV's that eliminates the notorious blind zone on the passenger side of the vehicle and gives a driver a direct view of the rear axle and surrounding road space as the vehicle turns.
During articulation the mirror is smoothly adjusted within the housing to maintain the required view. The system is fully contained within the housing and easily fitted to a vehicle in under an hour making it ideal for deployment across small and large fleets alike.

http://turnsafe.co.uk

 

Please do not hesitate to send us a great innovation you have spotted.
We might include it in our next month issue.
 


CREAX seminar
If you enjoy CREAX newsletters, you will enjoy our hands-on Systematic Innovation seminar. Our upcoming 2days seminar on Systematic Innovation in April is fully booked. Missed this one? Don't worry: our next 2days seminar is scheduled for the 21st & 22nd of June.

CREAX also offers exclusive company specific corporate seminars. Participants learn how to apply the Systematic Innovation Methodology in their day-to-day job in an interactive way. (more info)


"  The benefit of this course is beyond my expectations. Very interesting!  "
Jean-Marie S., N.V. Lefevere, Belgium

Over the last years, over 500 people subscribed and participated with enthusiasm to the Systematic Innovation Methodology seminars. CREAX trains people both during company-specific in-house seminars, and open training seminars:


TRIZ Future Conference 2006
We have received a tremendous amount of interest to our TRIZ Future 06. Thanks for the many high quality abstracts we've received. We have been told by many that the deadline for abstracts was too short and upon these requests we postpone the deadline for abstracts until April 17th. Please send your abstracts to nr@creax.com.

Careers at CREAX
Interested in a job at CREAX? Take a look at our website and get all the information you need. Interested in the job? Send a mail to jobs@creax.com.

Photo Gallery

Visit of Samsung's Vice President at CREAX.



Minister President Yves Leterme and part of the CREAX team at CREAX headquarters.


 


 
CREAX n.v. Mlk.Plumerlaan 113 8900 Ieper Belgium
T +32 57 229480 F +32 57 229481
info@creax.com  www.creax.com