Cyclists can navigate streets more safely at night by using a new wireless light system designed in SolidWorks 3D CAD software by UK consultancy Gavin Thomson Design. Cyclists now have front and rear lights with wireless turn signals, to ensure motorists see them when they’re turning or heading straight.
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 authorised SolidWorks reseller SolidEngineer for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.