MoreInspiration Newsletter September 2007

Dear CREAX newsreader,
This months CREAX newsletter contains the following innovative examples::

Flapping Solar Aircraft	Storing power in a sheet of nanocomposite paper
See what you get drink box	SunShower also gives a suntan
MyCuppa cup with mixing guide	Company news

Innovation Highlights

	Flapping Solar Aircraft
	Due to recent advances in polymers, photovoltaics, and batteries, the development of a revolutionary type of unmanned aircraft may now be feasible. This flight vehicle would integrate airfoil, propulsion, energy production, energy storage, and control into one seamless design with no conventional mechanical moving parts. The integration of these components comprises the "Solid State" aircraft concept that has wide implication for terrestrial and planetary flight applications. The most innovative aspect of this concept is the use of an ionic polymeric-metal composite (IPMC) as the source of control and propulsion. This material has the unique ability to deform in the presence of an electric field like an artificial muscle, and return to its original shape when the field is removed. Combining the IPMIC with emerging thinfilm batteries and thin-film photovoltaics provides both energy source and storage in the same structure. http://www.ecogeek.org/ filed under: military & defence, technologies, materials Property spectrum: Flexibility Increasing flexibility is one of the most applied properties. Many products evolve from rigid to completely flexible. The main benefits that can be gained from making a similar evolution are better damage protection, more compact folding and the ability to make variations in size. This aircraft flaps its wing like a bird to fly.
	Storing power in a sheet of nanocomposite paper
	Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new energy storage device that easily could be mistaken for a simple sheet of black paper. The nanoengineered battery is lightweight, ultra thin, completely flexible, and geared toward meeting the trickiest design and energy requirements of tomorrow's gadgets, implantable medical equipment, and transportation vehicles. Along with its ability to function in temperatures up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and down to 100 below zero, the device is completely integrated and can be printed like paper. The device is also unique in that it can function as both a high-energy battery and a high-power supercapacitor, which are generally separate components in most electrical systems. http://www.physorg.com/ filed under: energy, nanotechnology, technologies Property spectrum: Size Producers of all kinds of products are making their products smaller and smaller. You can notice the differences in the evolution of electronic devices over the years. These tiny paper batteries have a wide range of usage possibilities.
	See what you get drink box
	This drink-box looks and feels like the source of the juice it contains. Apparently the company responsible fotr this packaging has also developed Kiwi, Strawberry and Tofu style drinkboxes. http://blog.warmbrain.com/ filed under: food & beverage, packaging Property spectrum: Amount of senses The trend is about increasing interaction of systems with human senses. The trend relates only to the number of senses incorporated into a system, not the sequence. In all, there are five key senses involved in the trend - see, hear, touch, smell, and taste. Engaging more of the user’s senses may improve interfaces and enhance user experiences.
	SunShower also gives a suntan
	This exclusive system allows you to tan while taking a shower. Your bath time ritual becomes a delightful experience of water and light, giving you the feeling of freshness and warmth. Sunshower brings beauty, relaxation and harmony of body and mind. Looking great with a minimum of effort! The Sunshower offers a sensible way of tanning, so that a healthy tan can become part of your daily beauty routine and it will stimulate the production of vitamin D. http://www.sentavi.com/ filed under: personal care, household 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 shower getting a tan while you wash yourself.
	MyCuppa cup with mixing guide
	This month we selected the submission of Vincent T. Mugs to help you mix your favourite brew to just-how-you-like-it by matching the colour guide on the inside.The different colours show the different "strengths" of coffee or tea with millk. http://www.suck.uk.com/ filed under: food & beverage , packaging Property spectrum: Use of colour Why wouldn't you increasing the use of colours of your product. It has many advantages. For example: the ability to make a simple measurement, it can be a warning indicator or it can simply improve the overall aesthetic appearance of your product. Using different colour helps when adding the right amount of millk.

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 26th & 27th of September 2007 and the following course for the 24th & 25th of October .

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





CREAX at the 3rd TRIZ Symposium in Japan
Mr. Simon Dewulf, Managing Director of CREAX, has been invited as a keynote speaker at the 3rd TRIZ Symposium in Japan held on Aug. 30 - Sept. 1, 2007, at the TOSHIBA Education & Training Institute in Yokohama. This internationally recognized TRIZ event held annually in Japan, received more than 200 registrations from innovation driven companies such as Panasonic, Toshiba and Konica Minolta. The aims of this conference is to make the Symposium an open event similar to an academic conference and to help establish deeper and wider understanding of TRIZ and related methodologies, as well as promoting the real use of these methodologies in industries and academia.

As CREAX continuously invests in the further development of the methodology, resulting in recent breakthrough findings, Simon was invited as keynote speaker. He presented "Variation of System Properties for New or Improved Function": CREAX has been carrying out an extensive patent analysis project and building knowledge bases with new frameworks in TRIZ. For improving existing and achieving new functions, the CREAX research recognized the need of change in the attributes (or properties) of products and technologies. Simon proposed this new and unique approach of utilizing the property changes, especially in the form of trends of evolution of technical systems, for creative problem solving and idea generation. CREAX would like to thank the Collaborative Board of TRIZ Promoters and Users in Japan, who organised this event, as well as all participants for their extremely positive feedback.


Training funded by ESF
If you are planning to invest in training in 2008 or 2009, ESF can give you financial support. More info? Contact Sonja Vercammen

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