Roof for Two Uses SolidWorks Software to Design First-of-its-Kind Roof for Motorcyclists

FISHER/UNITECH Provides Tools to Create a Collapsible, Detachable Roof That Can Be Pulled Over a Motorcycle in a Few Seconds

TROY, Mich., USA, July 24, 2012 – India, which boasts the largest percentage of motorcycle riders in the world, is notorious for busy roads. Relying on open-air transportation is especially dangerous during monsoon season, when riders risk low visibility and harsh weather conditions during everyday travel. This is why Roof For Two LLC decided to develop a groundbreaking new product using SolidWorks^® 3D design software, with support from FISHER/UNITECH, a leading SolidWorks Value Added Reseller.

Roof For Two, founded by a group of Tufts University graduates in 2011, solves the discomfort and complications associated with riding in inclement weather faced by millions of South Asian motorcyclists and their families year-round. The solution is a bike roof that is mounted on a motorcycle to shield riders from wet weather, as well as heat and cold.

The collapsible, detachable roof was designed to be pulled over a motorcycle in a few seconds to protect the rider from heavy rain. The mounting system is comprised of several metals, including steel and aluminum. The design team at Roof For Two used SolidWorks Professional, SolidWorks Simulation, and SolidWorks Flow Simulation to create the entire frame, define the shape of the canopy, and prepare it for fabrication.

"We've essentially created a sleek portable "tent" that easily attaches to a motorcycle," said David Chen, co-founder and head of product development for Roof For Two. "When taking on a project like this, it's important to weigh all factors, including air flow. This consideration made SolidWorks Simulation a critical tool for us, as we determined how the product would stand up to wind, rain, and other drivers; it is the key to design integrity and safety."

Using SolidWorks Flow Simulation, the Roof For Two team determined how air flows around different parts of the design to keep the solution aerodynamic. SolidWorks Simulation allowed the team to test stresses and impact of load on the mounts to assess whether reinforcements were needed. Additionally, the ability to visualize the product in 3D was crucial to finishing the overall concept, as the design sits on top of an existing vehicle.

"The work that Roof For Two is doing in South Asia is commendable - and difficult," said Jenny Giolas, Regional Technical Manager, FISHER/UNITECH. "With a complex design created, simulated and fabricated from the ground up, Roof For Two put a lot on the line when it decided to bring this design to market. We're proud to be an integral part of a solution that will affect so many lives."

The Roof For Two canopy is currently in beta testing, and is expected to go to market in Spring 2013. More information is available at: http://www.rooffortwo.com/

About SolidWorks

Powered by the Dassault Systèmes 3DExperience Platform, SolidWorks 3D applications help millions of engineers and designers succeed through innovation. SolidWorks delivers 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.3ds.com/solidworks) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-781-810-5011).

About FISHER/UNITECH

FISHER/UNITECH, established in 1993, provides Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and Rapid Technology solutions to the discrete manufacturing industry.   The company’s focus is on process improvement for product development and manufacturing.  With locations throughout New England and the Midwest, the company is a leading reseller of SolidWorks 3D mechanical design, analysis and data management software, as well as the full line of Rapid Technology equipment from Stratasys. Rapid Technology applications include Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), Rapid Prototyping and 3D Printing. Professional services are offered for design automation and data management which provides customers with a full service, one-stop source for complex PLM systems. The company offers advanced web-based delivery of training with its live, instructor-led 3DU. Please visit the company's website at (http://www.funtech.com) or call 800-816-8314.

SolidWorks is a registered trademark of Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corporation in the US and other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

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