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Innovation |
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Delivering Real Innovation –Success Examples Tri-Max® Tripod
Crain also determined that while surveying crew sizes were shrinking, instruments systems were getting heavier, bulky, sophisticated, and often include multiple components. Today, design elements such as ergonomics, convenience, and systems interface are no longer luxuries, but necessities. Astonishingly, at a time when tripod performance requirements are steadily increasing, established tripod manufacturers have tended to merely copy designs and focus almost entirely on reducing costs. This unfortunate trend has allowed their tripod’s performance quality to decline further. These under-performing tripods are not suitable for use with instruments that provide ever-increasing accuracy. Crain first identified the deficiencies found in established tripods, then conducted a number of analytical studies that included lab analysis of materials, components and structures as well as various environmental exposures encountered in the field. Also, user needs and practices were analyzed. Future requirements were assessed as well. Recognizing these requirements and understanding the fundamental design elements, Crain developed and introduced a revolutionary new geomatics support solution, the Tri-Max Tripod. Today, the Tri-Max stands alone, truly delivering suitable stability, ergonomics, convenience, and the Tri-Max is maintenance-free. As with many successful products, look-alike and claim-alike imitations have now appeared on the market. These counterfeit products copy appearance only and do not provide the performance delivered by the Tri-Max. The Tri-Max Tripod’s performance remains totally unchallenged. And, the Tri-Max® Tripod’s leadership position will likely endure as domestic and foreign patents are pending on many of its innovations. |
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Prism, GPS Poles & Support Systems In developing Crain’s line of geomatics poles and supporting systems, present-day requirements and solutions were first examined and analyzed. In doing so, Crain determined that significant deficiencies existed in these product solutions and that new, emerging requirements were also being ignored. Insufficient straightness in both telescopic and fixed-height poles tended to introduce survey errors. Surveying errors also frequently resulted from unrecognized slippage in the locking joints of telescopic poles.
Answering the call, Crain invented a number of original design elements. Crain’s Grip-Tite and Snap-Tite locking systems prevent slippage at joints of telescopic Prism Poles. The popular Topo-Boot protects points from damage or causing injury, and provides a broad bearing surface that is sometimes needed on soft terrains. When not in use, the Topo-Boot conveniently stores under the level vial. Due to its lightweight and inexpensive design, Crain is able to provide the Topo-Boot as standard equipment on Crain’s geomatics poles. |
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| Another popular innovative addition to Crain’s geomatics pole products is the Stedi-Rest. The Stedi-Rest performs three functions; ground contact stand-off, tripod support for observations, and level vial check/calibration. Like the Topo-Boot, the Stedi-Rest is provided as standard equipment on Crain’s geomatics pole. In contrast, competitive solutions perform only one of these functions and must be purchased separately. The costs to acquire competitive auxiliary solutions to the Topo-Boot and Stedi-Rest can be greater than the poles themselves!
Convenience and ergonomics are increasing in importance for geomatics poles. To meet these needs, Crain introduced poles made of three different materials; Alumilite high strength aluminum, Composilite fiberglass composites and Carbonlite carbon fiber composites. The components of all of Crain’s poles are entirely modular, and our poles outperform established models in function, weight, strength, durability and economics. For instance, Crain’s aluminum poles weigh about 30% less than others, yet are stronger and more durable. Additionally, Crain’s poles can be disassembled in “snap” for maintenance. Our Composilite fiberglass poles are the only electrically non-conductive poles available, adding safety against lightening and in proximity to power lines. |
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Leveling Rods & Composites Production In order to produce the new leveling rods, Crain developed a new composites Manufacturing process. With this new process, Crain was able to efficiently produce lightweight yet high-strength and durable telescopic tubular frames which are utilized in these products. In 1990, Crain was honored with national recognition for its technical achievements and innovations related to its new process and the resultant products. Even today, Crain’s process stands alone in its ability to produce thin walled/high strength tubular profiles. |
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| Further utilizing Crain’s proprietary manufacturing processes, in 1996, the new CR Series Leveling Rod was developed. This fiberglass leveling rod directly supported laser detection devices, an emerging requirement. They also provided a lower cost, but highly durable solution. These rods have become the standard in the North American construction markets. The success of the CR Series Rods have spawned look-alike imitations, however lacking Crain’s unique manufacturing processes, these imitations are significantly inferior and fail quickly in the field. | ||||
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