MoreInspiration Newsletter May 2007

Dear CREAX newsreader,

The May newsletter contains innovative examples from different sectors, including advertising, tools, packaging, optics and sports:

Reverse graffiti - art created by cleaning dirt	TwinNut - nut made of two parts
CrushPak - squeezable yoghurt pot	DreamLens - contact lens for sleeping
Smart drinking cup - cup with a sponge	Company news

Innovation Highlights

	Reverse graffiti - art created by cleaning dirt
	British street artist known as Moose creates graffiti by cleaning dirt from sidewalks and tunnels -- sometimes for money when the images are used as advertising. But some authorities call it vandalism. Moose, whose real name is Paul Curtis, tells NPR's Steve Inskeep that he got the idea when he saw that people had written their names with their fingers on dirty tunnel walls in his hometown of Leeds. Moose does some freehand drawing, but also uses the grid from wall tiles to create perfect shapes and letters. The tools are simple: A shoe brush, water and elbow grease, he says. http://www.npr.org/ filed under: advertising Property spectrum: Resources Systems often use the available resources. Here the artist uses the available dirty walls to create his masterpieces.
	TwinNut - nut made of two parts
	The TwinNut, by the same named German company, is designed for the building industry but even the layman can appreciate its ingenuity. The product comprises two parts with an identical outer shape. When combined, they form a standard nut, making for much faster assembly and disassembly. http://twinnut.de/ filed under: building & construction , tools Property spectrum: Multiplication This property highlights the benefits associated with increasing the number of similar elements within a system. Two eyes give a focus, two bins allow you to separate waste types. Splitting a nut into two parts, allows for quicker assembly and disassembly.
	CrushPak - squeezable yoghurt pot
	Rather than building a spoon into the lid, which is a waste of material, this CrushPak allows you to either use your own spoon or squeeze the delicious yogurt right into your mouth. In addition to making yogurt more fun/messy, the CrushPak uses 36 percent less plastic than traditional containers. http://www.verpakkingsmanagement.nl/ filed under: food & beverage , packaging Property spectrum: Surface Altering the surface has many added benefits, such as improved grip, drainage, heat transfer properties and for creating a deliberate weak point. The ribbed surface on the yoghurt pack makes it easier to squeeze the contents out.
	DreamLens - contact lens for sleeping
	The DreamLens contact lens is a patented gas permeable contact lens that changes the shape of the eye while sleeping. The result is improved uncorrected vision throughout the day. The DreamLens offers an alternative solution. Unlike surgical procedures whose results are permanent, the DreamLens design can be fine-tuned to address any future vision needs. Plus, if you choose to stop wearing the DreamLens, the eye returns to its original shape. http://www.bausch.com/ filed under: optics, personal care Property spectrum: Increasing differences 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. This lens can be kept in while sleeping.
	Smart drinking cup - cup with a sponge
	This month we selected the submission of Leo Muys from Stork Fokker. To make drinking as easy as possible for marathon runners and to make sure you drink the right amount of water, the Fortis Marathon Rotterdam organization together with TU-Delft has patented a unique drinking system. The cup is filled and sealed with a unique sponge. The sponge has small holes making it possible to drink small sips at a time, without messing any. Afterwards the sponge can be used to refresh oneself. http://www.fortiscpcloop.nl/ filed under: food & beverage , sports, packaging Property spectrum: Number of functions This property describes integrating different functions in your product to increase the user convenience. Some of the benefits of adding additional functions are: reducing number of systems required, improved operability and in this cup, a sponge to ration the sips.

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

CREAX company news

CREAX seminar
If you enjoy CREAX newsletters, you will enjoy our hands-on Systematic Innovation seminar. Our next 2day seminar is scheduled for the 23rd & 24th of May 2007 and the following course for the 20th & 21st of June (Fully booked).

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)


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:


IWT funds 3 year research project
IWT Vlaanderen, the Flemish government office for promoting innovation, is funding a 3 CREAX year research project along with the University of Leuven. The main project focus is on developing algorithms for discovering innovation patterns in patent documents which will eventually make it easier for companies to innovate more efficiently or solve problems more quickly.

Upcoming events
CREAX will be present at the following upcoming events:

30/08 - 01/09 - 3rd TRIZ Symposium in Japan
Topic: Directed Variation
Yokohama - Japan

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