Panel Discussion on "Entrepreneurship" at RiiiT, Mysore

The paper got the topic wrong. It was actually about "Entrepreneurship".

I thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the students of RiiiT, Mysore (www.riiit.com) on the topic of "Entrepreneurship".

Extremely pleased to see that lot of youngsters nowadays (compared to my generation where it was almost close to NIL) think about doing something on their own and thinking beyond settling a job abroad.

- Nagendra R Setty

RiiiT (www.riiit.com) is one of its kind IT Finishing School - Their USP being that they train Rural Graduates to become professionals by imparting Communication, Organization and Management skills. Many of the graduates from RiiiT get placed in many reputed software firms. In this process they are doing a very good social change. We at Ideas Unlimited, Mysore support RiiiT in their endeavor!

Ideas Manufacturing website updated

Our manufacturing company Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited, has added a lot of new products to its portfolio. However the website has not been updated in a while.  Today the website has been updated with all the latest products and information.

Visit www.ideasmfg.in

Solar Light Concept: Get Free and Natural Sunlight to light up your home/office!

A few blog posts ago, we had showcased some of our innovations in construction related technologies at Ideas Unlimited. We did some Googling around for some innovative way to use natural light into the building. Some of the innovations done by people around the world on this front inspired us to do something similar in a more engineered fashion which looks elegant as well!

This idea is pretty simple. If you are into a bit of hands on Engineering, you can probably do it yourself too!

And the best part of this whole thing?  You don't have to pay for lighting up your home ever! You are harvesting natural sunlight for free from your roof! 

The system is so simple and maintenance free to make, that it is a one time investment that benefits you for life! We have put in some engineering aspects to make this into an elegant option and make it more appealing for people to adapt it even in their expensive homes and for commercial buildings.

Step 1: You have to make a  perfect template for putting the bottle in as part of roof centering. (If you want we can make them for you.)

Step 2: You need a large Candy or Toffee jar which is at least a foot high. Stainless Steel Cage gives a lighting fixture like feel at the bottom, while also aiding in any eventuality where the glass is broken accidentally for replacement bottle! Cage is custom designed by us.

Step 3: Use the template along with the metal sheets for centering. Place the cage and bottle inside. Now the bottle is part of the roof centering, ready for casting.

Step 4: Roof Casting

Step 5: Roof is cured. Bottle gets embedded into the roof. (You may have to clean the bottle surface)

Inspection before Centering is removed.

Step 6: After roof centering is removed! Bottles lay exposed. (This photo was taken with the camera flash on because nothing was visible in this dark area).

Step 7: Open the bottle lid, fill it with clean and pure water (preferably soft water) and add clear liquid bleach into it. The bleach prevents any kind of algae growth inside the bottle and also helps in diffusing the light the bottle captures.

Step 8: Observe Below and VOILA you have more than a flouroscent light worth of light (Tube light) from a natural and clean source and you don't even have to pay electricity bills for this light!(This photograph was taken without the camera's flashlight using the natural light in the place. Once the roof is painted white and walls painted, the light is expected to improve further)

If you are interested in using such lights, but unable to make the necessary materials required yourself, do get in touch with us at info@ideas-unlimited.in or info@ideasmfg.in. (Strictly e-mail inquiries please).

Given both our companys (Ideas Unlimited, Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited) interests in Energy efficiency and Energy Saving systems, we are more interested in promoting this technology. We also intend to offer these in a product format shortly in the near future...

Credits:

Of course, we DID NOT invent this idea. We were inspired by the Coke Light concept prevalent for many years in Philippines and the information available in public domain for this idea.



Video of the Filipino innovation in using Coke bottles for lighting up homes.
We however did  use our engineering skills to ensure that the process is achieved in a trouble free manner, with a HIGH QUALITY finish and easy maintenance. We made the concept better in this endeavor.

Ideas Manufacturing launches Hawkeye-Mini sensors for security applications

Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited, launches Hawkeye Mini series of Security devices which detect Human or animal movement/activity and can raise an alarm or switch on a light to deter the intruders. This device is mainly targeted for use in home and domestic scenarios.

Hawkeye Mini Security System

For deterring intruders in your portico/compound and alerting

The device is very compact and can be mounted in a corner under the portico or similar place inside a typical house compound. The MSBR501 clamp can be used to adjust the sensing zone and no-sense zones as may be required.

Some Frequently asked questions  about the product are below:


FAQ#1: What is Hawkeye Mini?
Answer: Hawkeye Mini is a revamped product of our earlier Hawkeye product lines, which can be used for human or animal activity detection for various applications, primarily for security and deterrence.

FAQ#2: Where can Hawkeye Mini be used? 

Answer: Hawkeye Mini is targeted for use in domestic scenarios where it can do a variety of monitoring/security applications. Some example applications:

Home and Compound Security:

1. Compound Security: At the back of your house or compound to detect and deter unwanted intruders.
2. Protect your car under the porch: Under the porch where your car is parked to alert you of any activity near your car.
3. Open Terraces: Security to detect intruders and alert, as well as to deter intruders.
4. Lone houses: to detect unauthorized entry into compound any time.
5. When away from home: For your home security when you are away from your home and to alert neighbors.
6. Inside your garage: For alerting you on  intruders at night.

Utility applications:

1. Automatic-Doorbell: Make your doorbell ring automatically when someone enters your compound.
2. Store front/Reception areas: To ring a bell when a person enters

FAQ#3: How does it work? 

Answer: The Hawkeye Mini sensor keeps a watch for movement of Living things. If it detects any living being, it can trigger a light or a doorbell or an alarm. 

FAQ#4: How to install it?

Answer: A printed detailed instruction manual is available along with the product. You can also visit our website www.ideasmfg.in to download a detailed brochure of the product.
(Link to PDF Brochure)

FAQ#5: Can I connect my existing doorbell to Hawkeye Mini?

Answer: Yes. In most cases.

Ideas Unlimited developing ERP software for managing lean and small manufacturing setups.

Background to this adventure

The future of manufacturing many claim are the lean operations along with a solid supply chain and MOST IMPORTANTLY high quality outsourcing of work.

At Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited, (Our manufacturing company) we have a vision of manufacturing varied and diverse products, as well as Medium and Low Volume products with High product complexity in the long run. We do not intend to be a contract manufacturer and compete with the bigger players whose business is to do large scale manufacturing. Our intention is to carve a nice for ourselves, doing High Complexity and low to medium volume products which require high level of technological competency and for the immediate future will be fed with products or ideas developed at our R&D lab "Ideas Unlimited".

To start with, last year, we embarked on our own manufacturing setup which has specific focus on IP protection and Quality to be done in-house, while other activities are to be outsourced to our strong vendor and contract manufacturing partners. The criticality of IP protection and Quality maintained in-house has attracted customers who are highly IP and quality conscious who develop products with us which get taken to production eventually by us.

It is also in line with our view that Manufacturing of niche products is the future sunrise and highly profitable Industry for India as the economy rises. 

The ERP Software

In light of this vision for our manufacturing company, we started developing an ERP software several months ago. In fact it started off as a student apprentice project a few months before we prepared to start our manufacturing company "Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited". The Version 0.1 of the software developed by the apprentice in our lab came out very well and sort of pushed us to develop it further for our own interest as well as

You may also wonder why on earth we are developing our own ERP when there are dozen software packages available in the market? This ERP software is specifically designed for an operation like ours which is lean and depends on contract and outsourced manufacturing with dozens of vendors and contractors.

The Main screen

Bill of Material definition/review screen

Today the software has evolved and the current version is 0.4. By the time we release Version 2.0, we feel the software will be mature enough to be used in other organizations like ours with lean operation and with focus on IP protection and quality.

You can read more details of this ERP software we are developing on our website by following this link:
http://www.ideas-unlimited.in/techerp.html

Credits

The project's initial version was developed by an apprentice Nikhil R at our lab as part of his apprenticeship and now it continues to evolve.

Nikhil Setty R worked on the initial version of this software. He can be contacted at nikhilsettyr@gmail.com

Ideas Manufacturing launches White colored Miniature Movement Sensor Switch (MS 501 series)

Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited, has launched a new aesthetically appealing Miniature Movement Sensor Switch (MS 501 Series - Special Edition). The new sensor has an appealing look and feel and very compact in size. It can handle up to 220 Watts of electrical load, and has been designed with utmost concern to electrical safety and reliability of the product.

Special Edition Miniature Movement Sensor Switch (MS501 Series)

MS501 Special Edition Movement Sensor switches in White color.

To go with the white sensor, we have also launched a special powder-coated white-colored 2-Axis Swivel Clamp as well. This clamp (MSBR501 series) is now available in white powder coated finish to match the ceilings/walls and decor.

White, Powder coated MSBR501 Swivel Clamp to go with the White colored sensors.

More products in the pipeline to be launched. Watch this space.

Ideas Unlimited works with Ace Technologies to develop new ideas in construction (Design to site concept, tools for better construction).

We have developed a concept called 'Design to Site' along with 'Ace Technologies, Bengaluru'. This methodology helps in better planning resulting in quicker construction with far better quality than normal construction methods.

As part of this Design to Site concept, we have also developed certain tools that help in making construction better, faster and quality oriented.

About Masonry

Masonry has been one of the popular construction methods available for the ages. Masonry is simply the art of laying brick or block with mortar in between. Traditionally, it has been exploited for beauty and its integrity in construction. Clay bricks and Stone blocks have been used for thousands of years in the construction of monuments, temples, palaces and many other structures. Masonry has proven its durability even in earthquake situations.

Examples of masonry structures are the Qutb Minar, Meenakshi Temple Gopuram, Gol Gumbaz and many other structures all over the world. The modern avatar of the traditional masonry block has been the Concrete Masonry Block, commonly called as EMU (Engineered Masonry Unit). Blocks can be solid or hollow. Both are load bearing.

The block of choice is the Hollow Engineered Load bearing Block which can be used to build upto six storeys without the need of a framed Column and Beam structure. This modern innovation has changed the way of construction in the Western world and now we have the opportunity to present it to you in India. This is especially useful keeping in mind the present situation where labor is expensive and cost of construction is going up everyday.

Ace Technologies have been promoting the adoption of Block Masonry in construction which has many advantages over conventional construction technologies followed in India. The biggest advantages are:

• Faster Construction
• Reduced Manpower requirement due to higher efficiency
• Less costs compared to conventional methods
• Professional, Tool driven approach. Blocks yield to cutting/drilling tools, provides a very professional and quality finish.
• Reduces dependence on Skill. Quality of blocks help in doing better work.
• Structural Flexibility in planning stage
• No need for plastering of walls
• Ability to erect pillars (regular/concealed inside wall) at will
• Beams are also made using blocks! Reduces overall construction, curing time and provides excellent finish.
• More earthquake proof by design. 
• Well planned construction. No need to tear up walls for installing electrical ducting etc.

Plinth beam on top of foundation laid using U-Blocks (Lintel blocks)

Plinth beam after casting.

Construction of walls using masonry blocks

Window Sill area ensured to not have hollow blocks.

Blocks yield very well for cutting/drilling tools! Professional and better finish can be achieved despite not plastering the walls.

Well Planned execution: Electrical Fixtures are installed during laying of course! No need to tear built up wall and plaster t later! Doing things in a more planned way and with less cost.

Concealed Pillars inside walls!

Lintels and beams are built using blocks. Special type of blocks called U-Blocks are used to make lintels and beams!

Lintel setup for casting.

Casting of Lintel!

Running lintel all round the wall ready for casting.

Blocks guaranteed with 'M9' strength, strong to be used as support for beams and centering. Same blocks can also be used even for foundation.

Tools used to apply mortar on top of blocks precisely, without wastage and simultaneously increasing productivity on site.

Precise and Highly consistent Mortar laying between each course of blocks! Reduces wastage of mortar and also increase productivity at the site.

'Design to Site' concept

In this effort, we convert designs into 3D Models and eventually into '3D Block models'. The block model is optimized to block sizes and heights, so it completely eliminates or reduces to a minimum, the block related work on site. 

A typical conventional plan!

Conventional Plan turned into 3D Drawing

Blocks Model: 3D Model optimized for masonry block based construction! Color code helps masons and workers understand the concept better.

Bill of Material generated from the Blocks model of the plan. Color coded blocks ensure masons and workers can understand the concept.

Tools to help improve implementation of new technologies in construction and on site

We have developed some tools along with Ace Technologies, for improving the way things are done in a construction site. We have developed a set of different tools, which greatly improve quality, reduce effort and provide a more consistent, uniform and better bonding between blocks in site. We are working with Ace Technologies on more such technologies to help do construction more professionally and in an easy way.

Key Contacts

Regarding Block masonry and other interesting construction related technologies, to know more about Design to Site concept and tools:

Ace Technologies, Bengaluru
Mr. Ashok Nadkari
Tel: 98450-36436

Regarding tools that help make your construction better, faster and lower cost:
Ideas Unlimited, Mysore
Tel: 0821-2402979

Ideas Unlimited Website updated...

Our website (and blog) update has been long overdue. Ever since we setup a separate manufacturing company Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited, in August 2012, we have rejigged Ideas Unlimited to be a completely R&D and New Technology and New Products development company.

 Website URL:

www.ideas-unlimited.in

The modus operandi of both the companies now has been  rejigged to realize the original vision we had when we started Ideas Unlimited, Mysore in 2009. The diagram below shows the new operational model between Ideas Unlimited and Ideas Manufacturing Mysore Private Limited.

Click Link to visit our "Collaborate with us page on our website.

In the meanwhile, lot of new developments have occurred in both our new companies.... Ideas Manufacturing has improved our existing product lines and added more products to the boquet. Our manufacturing company has also worked on taking to production a driver Electronics for BLDC Fans used in Railway carriages.

Ideas Unlimited, has been focused on new projects, many of which we are yet to publish about either on our blog or website.

Hopefully, now onwards we will be able to provide updates more regularly on our website and/or blog here onwards.

'Glove' project gets award at IT-Biz-2012

The 'Glove project' conceived and developed at Ideas Unlimited, won a prize at Bangalore IT.Biz 2012 events. A report on the same was published in Star of Mysore dated 2nd Jan 2013.

Report on the Glove project developed at Ideas Unlimited published in Star of Mysore newspaper, dated 2nd Jan 2013 (Click on the image to enlarge)

Picture of the Glove project being tested at Ideas Unlimited, Mysore

To read about the Glove project, visit our earlier Blog post on the same topic "The Glove Project - Student project @ Ideas Unlimited"