Sometimes, brilliant innovation does not have to come from new products or technology. Innovation can stem into alternative applications for products- findings new places and people to where our products and services could add value.
Let me give you the most simple example- think about all the different ways we use a pair of scissors today. Did you know that scissors, made of one piece of metal, were most likely invented about 1500 BC in ancient Egypt? Modern cross blade scissors were invented in ancient Rome around 100 AD, and were used by clothes makers and barbers. Numerous additional applications exist for scissors today- which has lead to the evolution of the shapes, designs, and ergonomics of scissors today. Scissors are found in almost every industry just in different form- ranging from cutlery, medical equipment, fabric cutting, arts and crafts, office suppliers, grooming, the possibilities are endless!
What is key to note here are two things: the evolution of innovation and innovation in application… Two unique ways to innovate without having to strain your brain for breakthrough technology.
Which leads me to ask….where else can we apply our products? In new markets? New geographies? To new customers? What other markets which we don’t play in could use our air compressors, tools, hoist, and pumps? What other markets could get value from our products?
This is your chance- our leaders are listening. Speak up! You can drive our next innovation!
So, I’m not an engineer, but was looking at some sales training for air tools, particularly how the tool “uses” the air. As I looked at it it seemed to me that the inside of an air tool “un-compresses” the air. The internal pieces in the image I was viewing were configured differently from those I’m familiar with on the inside of a rotary or centrifigal compressor.
So, I’m wondering, why? What makes the way we “un-compress” air so different from the way we compress it?
We’ve been asked to innovate and develop something really innovative – would an “impeller-ish” internal piece modified from our Centac technology be efficient or effective in an air tool? Could a variation of the air tool’s insides be the basis for new technology in air compression?
Yes, One could use an impeller to do the job of an air motor. This would be referred to as a turbine and is used in some air tools with the benefit of not needing lubrication. It would be efficient but the high speed requires expensive reduction gears.
It is also possible to compress air by back driving a standard vane air motor tool. The vane pump is often used in vacuum pumps where the pressure differential is small.
I recently opened up a Production Facility for my company, Sunshine Bouquet Company, in Salisbury, NC. We are an international flower company who grows flowers, makes bouquets, and ships them to mass-market supermarkets in the US and Canada. We ship those bouquets up to the US “Dry-Pack”, meaning they are sent without any water in the box. In order for the bouquets to hydrate properly, it is necessary to give them a fresh cut prior to being shipped to our customers. This was taking quite a bit of time since our workers were cutting the bouquets with scissors, and as a result, our labor costs were astronomical.
About ten years ago, our company came up with the idea of using air compressors (controlled by a foot pedal) to push a large razor in our Production tables to chop those last three centimeters much faster. Since having this system in place, our labor costs have been much more manageable and our quality has increased due to the diminished time our workers handle the flowers. The air compressors have been really helpful!
We have a “cold chain,” now let’s pursue a “movement chain.” Our material handling technology allows safer and more efficient movement of materials within a building. But we could also supply air compressors for the air-ride beds of trailers.
Further, most small delivery vehicles (such as UPS delivery trucks) can be very difficult to load safely. I have been involved in some unwise loading techniques during end of month rush to ship. A low-profile lift assist mechanism that can operate from the top of the back of a delivery truck (because the bottom is often below the dock level) would revolutionize small-package handling safety.
There are also customers in many markets, including our own markets, who must request liftgate service because they do not have the forktruck equipment to unload trailer deliveries. Providing safe and innovative ways to load and unload will provide us with a unique market niche, and we can leverage market access from our Thermo King and our material handling divisions.
Let’s move it safely while we keep it cold!
On my recent trip to Florida, I’ve an opportunity to witness how the custom officers at the LA Airport had to go through a strenuous effort to get hundreds of baggage to be loaded and unloaded from the x-ray machine.
Each of this action needs the custom official to bend down to reach for the baggage. This definitely put tremendous stress on their back.
I am sure IR can provide them a solution to handle this work process more efficiently and safely.
Great to see interest and ideas surrounding our material handling products! Both Alan and Song raise unique and interesting applications where we could apply our products. Keep the ideas coming!
I was reviewing a “Northern Tool” product catalogue and realized that IR has a great product portfolio for the agricultural industry, but does not (to my knowledge) bring the diverse product to this market in one place.
Commercial agricultural operations will generally have:
- Compressors
- Fluid pumps (feed, sanitation, hydration, etc)
- Air tools (grinders, impacts)
- Hoists
- ATVs
In addition, large agricultural machines often have cooling units in the cab for the operator. Depending on the type of product, there may be cooling requirments (milk, produce).
Our products are already reaching these end markets through our channel partners, but often a particular distributor is only carrying one of our product families. By engaging this market directly we can find new solution opportunities that leverage our existing platforms.
Hello Alan!
I talked to our product experts and there seems to be some great opportunities in the agriculture space we could play in- the new Edge Series tools which will be going into a number of retail locations nationally who distribute to a more “ag” type customer segment. They are meant to offer customers quality IR tools and accessories at a competitive price point
In terms of fluid products, we are not a huge player in the Ag industry. We occasionally sell grease and oil pumps for maintenance on equipment. There have also been some cases of OEM’s using diaphragm pumps on machines for routine maintenance on cattle farms and one case of using fluid power items (valves and cylinders) to open and close gates, again in a cattle farm setting.
As we are seeing some movement towards this space, we have the products- just need the right channel!
Thanks for raising these thought-provoking topics on our blog!
Where have I been? I just discovered your site on Yahoo. Great article! I appreciate you taking the time to share this.
Nesting tables: This wood nesting table set includes three end tables from the Mission Oak collection. The style combines characteristic craftsman detailing with the warm oak finish that complements any decor. These oak nesting tables can be used …
over your current considerations, I acknowledge that individuals must all undertake a lot more caution of our-self.
Yes you do indeed have some of the best tools.You also have the best transport refrigeration units in the world.
Hiya! I just would like to give an enormous thumbs up for the good information you have right here on this post. I might be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.
Hi, I assume your website may be having browser compatibility troubles. When I look at your website in Internet explorer, it looks great but when opening in Firefox, it has some overlapping. I just want to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, fantastic blog!