MoreInspiration Newsletter November 2007

Dear CREAX newsreader,

It's that time again. Time for the CREAX newsletter, with the best innovations of this month. The highlights of this issue are:

ReLeaf rain collector	Transparent plastic steel
Plastic 'Sponge'	Renault ballet
Kenwood Response kettle	CREAX Company news

Innovation Highlights

	ReLeaf rain collector
	The Swiss design duo Fulguro doesn’t want you to waste a drop of precious rainwater for your plants, your yard, or your home. Their easy-to-use reLEAF rain collector consists of a folded thermo lacquered aluminum sheet that mimics the design of plant leaves but aids in the collection of extra rainwater that might otherwise trickle away. reLEAF can be inserted into flower pots or watering cans as a means to direct water or provide relief in the absorption of additional moisture that nurtures potted plants. http://www.inhabitat.com/ filed under: gadgets, nature Property spectrum: Size Producers of all kinds of products are making their products smaller and smaller. Increasing the size of a product also has its advantages, such as an increased surface area for collecting rain water.
	Transparent plastic steel
	By mimicking a brick-and-mortar molecular structure found in seashells, University of Michigan researchers have created a composite plastic that's claimed to be as strong as steel but lighter and transparent. It's made of layers of clay nanosheets and a water-soluble polymer that shares chemistry with white glue. Engineering Prof Nicholas Kotov almost dubbed it "plastic steel," but the new material isn't quite stretchy enough to earn that name. Nevertheless, he said, its further development could lead to lighter, stronger armour for soldiers or police and their vehicles. http://www.ns.umich.edu/ filed under: materials, nanotechnology, technologies Property spectrum: Transperancy Steel is a typical opaque product. Steel that’s transparent has multiple advantages, other than a better aesthetic appearance, e.g.: increased natural illumination, saving energy, increased visibility for safety-ease of inspection and aesthetic appeal.
	Plastic 'Sponge'
	A new plastic membrane could be key to making biofuels a viable and clean fuel alternative to natural gas and coal. The membrane could be a major advance in carbon capture - it's four times better than current technologies at separating out CO2, one of the main culprits in global warming. The plastic acts as a molecular sponge, allowing only carbon dioxide to pass into it, while preventing larger molecules like methane from following suit. http://www.wired.com/ filed under: environment, materials Property spectrum: Webs and fibres Solid components are replaced with webbed and fibrous materials for improved strength/weight ratios, flexibility, and durability.This plastic membrane can be used to capture and seperate CO2
	Renault ballet
	Renault cars performing ballet in the desert! This advert shows the cars from Renault crashing into each, demonstrating their crash performance. http://www.page2007.com/ filed under: advertising, automotive, safety Property spectrum: Information Systems and subsystems tend to evolve from requiring external input to becoming self-controlling through the use of feedback mechanisms. This advert shows the viewer just how save the Renault cars are.
	Kenwood Response kettle
	This month we selected the submission of Frederick F. from Flozon. The Response kettle lets you choose to end the boiling process at 80 degrees Celsius, which is ideal for brewing tea and "best of all" its exterior gradually changes color from blue to red as the water becomes hotter. The Response Kettle, once it's reached the desired temperature, can be set to maintain the heat for as long as you want, therefore eliminating the need to reheat when you need a refill. http://www.amazon.com filed under: energy, food & beverage , household 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.

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 28th & 29th of November 2007 and the following course for the 6th & 7th of December.

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.net site relaunched
We have just relaunched our CREAX.net portal with over 800 links to the best innovation and creativity sites on the web.

CREAX team extended
CREAX would like to welcome 2 new members to its team. Peter Simoens has joined CREAX as Funding Manager and Peter Vanmarcke will support the software development team.

Technology Offer - Linear rotary actuator
Technology offer:
One of our customers has developed a cost-effective actuator with combined linear-rotary motions. The two motions of the motor are completely independent. It is exceptionally compact and has low inertia, promoting highly dynamic motions.

Properties - Functions:
Since the actuator is highly dynamic it can solve bottle-neck applications in your production process, or it can be applied in feedback systems that require short response times. The two motions are completely independent, adding flexibility to your application by taking away transmissions with rotary-linear conversions. Moreover, loads on bearings are reduced since this load is carried by electromechanical means. It is easily built into smaller applications.

Applications:
Possible applications are (but not limited to) machining applications, manipulators such as robots and positioning devices, injection molding, friction welding, tow winding, dispensers, capping processes and many more.

Interest?
If you are interested in working together with our customer and add value to your product or process, please contact Wouter Vandamme

Miscellaneous

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