U.K. consultancy's wireless lights designed in SolidWorks help cyclists keep rolling safely at night
Gavin Thomson Design developed Bicygnals front and rear bicycle lights with integrated turn signals
CONCORD, Mass., Sept. 10, 2007 - Cyclists can navigate streets more safely at night using a new wireless light system designed in SolidWorks® 3D CAD software by U.K. consultancy Gavin Thomson Design Limited. Now cyclists have front and rear lights with wireless turn signals to ensure motorists see them when they're turning or heading straight.
The company was founded in 2005 in Surrey by industrial product designer Gavin Thomson, whose portfolio includes work for clients like British Airways, Ford, Samsung, and Virgin Atlantic. His consultancy helps customers around the world solve design challenges with products developed in SolidWorks. Recently introduced in stores across the country such as Halford's and Regent Red, the Bicygnals products deliver a new level of safety and confidence for those who ride at night.
The product features two sets of lights that easily detach and conveniently clip together in their own carry case. The front unit mounts on the handlebars with wrap-around lighting so motorists on the side can see the lights as well as the orange turn signals. The other unit attaches to the seat post and features red lights with orange turn signals. When the operator clicks the turn signal controls ergonomically positioned on the front unit, both the front and rear turn signals will shine.
"From an engineering perspective, this product is very complex, between the ergonomics, the sleek surfacing, the molding, and the electronics," said Thomson. "Unlike most CAD products on the market, SolidWorks allowed us to be very inventive, very precise, and very fast at the same time. It gave us the confidence that what we were creating was accurate and 'manufacturable.' That's a significant benefit when you're designing for competitive retail markets."
Thomson and his design team rely on SolidWorks for its streamlined design steps, including the parametric features that automate changes throughout a design. The software's ability to handle the variety of different CAD formats the company's partners, suppliers, and customers use ensures everyone clearly understands each design, reducing errors and speeding time to market.
"Ingenuity requires the will to stretch the imagination, the drive to explore different options, and the confidence to execute the plan," said Simon Booker, SolidWorks marketing manager, Europe. "Gavin Thomson Design is coming up with fresh ideas to design better products that distinguish the company from its peers."
Gavin Thomson Design relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller SolidEngineer for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Gavin Thomson Design, Limited
Gavin Thomson Design Limited is a product design consultancy specializing in all aspects of new product development across product, packaging, transport, and environmental markets. Founded in Surrey, U.K. in September 2005, the company is directed by Gavin Thomson and employs a team of designers and design engineers to provide a comprehensive 3D design service formulated to maximize the consumer and client design experience. For more information, visit the Web site (www.gavinthomsondesign.com).
About SolidEngineer
SolidEngineer provides tools and methods that make product development more efficient throughout the entire process; from concept to manufacture. Core to its product offering are integrated solutions within CAD, CAM, CAE, PDM. The development of such solutions is possible because of SolidEngineer's technical expertise in implementation, support, and product configuration. SolidEngineer has been a SolidWorks reseller since 1996 and has a turnover of $5.2million. The company employs 50 staff across Sweden and the UK . SolidEngineer offers technical support, training, and consulting for a variety of software platforms. For more information, visit the Web site (www.solidengineer.co.uk).
About 3DS SolidWorks 3DS SolidWorks, a Dassault Systèmes brand, is a world leader in 3D solutions that help millions of engineers and designers succeed through innovation. Our products deliver an intuitive experience in product design, simulation, publishing, data management, and environmental impact assessment. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit our Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-781-810-5011). About Dassault Systèmes Dassault Systèmes, the 3D Experience Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to imagine sustainable innovations. Its world-leading solutions transform the way products are designed, produced, and supported. Dassault Systèmes’ collaborative solutions foster social innovation, expanding possibilities for the virtual world to improve the real world. The group brings value to over 150,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 80 countries. For more information, visit CATIA, SolidWorks, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, DELMIA, 3D VIA, 3DSwYm, EXALEAD, and Netvibes are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries.
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