MoreInspiration Newsletter January 2007

Dear CREAX newsreader,

CREAX wishes all our readers a prosperous 2008. The highlights of this issue are:

Helmet allows fighter pilots to peer through the jet	Whistle Stop Watch
Litroenergy	Change water colour with magnets
Emoticon transforming stamp	Company news

Innovation Highlights

	Helmet allows fighter pilots to peer through the jet
	This new helmet designed to give fighter pilots a better look at their surroundings. Within the tinted faceplate are two projectors which sync up with plane-mounted cameras and display images from the outside for the pilot to view. Essentially, this enables the operator to view high-resolution images (yes, even at night) of areas previously imperceptible without a warplane constructed entirely of plexiglass, and onboard sensors make sure that the imagery reflects exactly where the pilot is looking at any given moment. Furthermore, computerized systems can even feed in "essential flight and combat data on to the display," as well as target symbols of friendlies / enemies. http://www.switched.com/ filed under: aerospace, military & defense Property spectrum: Transparency Products that are transparent have multiple advantages, other than a better aesthetic appearance, e.g.: increased natural illumination, saving energy, increased visibility for safety and ease of inspection.
	Whistle Stop Watch
	This stop-watch starts and stops by blowing into the whistle. As amateur sports continue to increase in competitiveness, this concept helps to ensure more accurate timing. http://www.inventables.com/ filed under: automotive, electronics, materials Property spectrum: Integration 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.
	Litroenergy
	Litroenergy is a new type of material that emits light for 12 years without needing electricity or sun exposure. The self-luminous micro-particles are called Litrospheres and are said to be non-toxic and inexpensive. The light is said to be equivalent to a 20 watt incandescent bulb. The litrospheres give off a continuous illumination, and can be designed to glow in any color. They can be injection molded or added to paint. The company that invented the material, MPK Co., predicts that first applications of Litroenergy will be in safety equipment such as safety tape and life rafts. http://peswiki.com/index.php/ filed under: materials, safety Property spectrum: Activity Materials increasingly evolve from passive to full adaptive materials. E.g. shape memory alloys and thermo chromic materials. This material can glow upto 12 years without electricity.
	Change water colour with magnets
	University of California, Riverside nanotechnologists have succeeded in controlling the color of very small particles of iron oxide suspended in water simply by applying an external magnetic field to the solution. In their experiments, the researchers found that by changing the strength of the magnetic field they were able to change the color of the iron oxide solution – similar to adjusting the color of a television screen image. http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/ filed under: electronics, nanotechnology, technology Property spectrum: State One of the most prominent property spectra is the state. It describes an evolution of products and processes starting with solid matter and then moving to liquids, gases and finally fields. Each step in this direction can deliver significant benefits, such as changing the colour of water.
	Emoticon transforming stamp
	It’s made of 100% silicone so it’s flexible enough to squish the standard face into whatever emotion you might need to express on paper. That way, instead of relying on proper grammar and prose to convey your feelings, you can just fill the page with frowns and smiles. http://www.thinkgeek.com/ filed under: paper, office 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 and shape.

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 27th & 28th of February 2008 and the following course for the 26th & 27th of March 2008.

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


The dates for the 2008 courses can now be found online.




Upcoming events
A new year and many new events and seminars have already been planned for CREAX:

28-31/01 - Front End of Innovation
Vienna - Austria

21-22/02 - European Business Summit
Brussels - Belgium

9-10/04 - C&E Days Benelux
Gent - Belgium

11/04 - Author Joseph Pine at CREAX
Ieper - Belgium

5-6/06 - European Research & Innovation Exhibition
Paris - France

15-16/06 - ISPIM Conference
Tours - France

Miscellaneous

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