A Cure for Dangerous Blind Spots
SolidWorks 3D CAD Software Helps Enable Launch of SideEyes, a Potentially Life-Saving Infrared Alert System
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CONCORD, Mass., USA, Sept. 8, 2008 – Tens of thousands of Americans die every year in auto crashes. Novitá Technologies of Hendersonville, Tenn., has released a potentially life-saving solution to chip away at the problem. |
Called SideEyes®, the electronic blind spot alerting system was developed with 3D CAD software from Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. (DS SolidWorks), a world leader in 3D solutions. Launched in August for the Chrysler® Town & Country and Dodge® Caravan, SideEyes effectively eliminates the blind spot behind the driver on both sides of the car. When a car or motorcycle enters the 3-meter-by-7-meter danger zone, an LED indicator on the mirror bezel glows bright orange.
“The technology development began in the mid 80’s, but we needed a tool like SolidWorks® to reduce the size of the componentry so it would fit unobtrusively on a car mirror,” said Novitá mechanical design engineer Chad Ice. “We’ve achieved that with SolidWorks and did so rather quickly thanks to its parametric capabilities, interference detection, measurement/mass properties tools, and integration with our electronic design automation (EDA) software. If we hadn’t standardized on SolidWorks, SideEyes would likely be languishing on the drawing board.”
SideEyes uses infrared technology to sense vehicles, including motorcycles, on both sides of a car. It is a dealer-installed option planned for all major makes and models and distribution through auto parts retailers. Novitá Technologies used SolidWorks software to model the infrared light emitters, sensors, and electronics so that SideEyes never requires alignment.
“We’ve all found ourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time on the road, and it’s a constant concern for most responsible drivers,” said Efrat Ravid, Director of Marketing Alliances for DS SolidWorks Corp. “Through SideEyes, Novitá Technologies is tackling one major category of road hazard and, it stands to reason, potentially saving the lives of many loved ones.”
Novitá Technologies relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller ModernTech Mechanical for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Novitá Technologies
Novitá is a proven leader in the automotive electronics industry. Based in Hendersonville, Tenn., the company manufactures and supplies Tridon® flashers that cover 90 percent of the automotive aftermarket and the most effective side object detection system in the original equipment market today. For more information, visit http://www.novitatech.com/prod_sideeyes.html.
About ModernTech Mechanical
ModernTech Mechanical is a value added reseller representing leading design technology providers such as Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., Z Corporation, and others. ModernTech Mechanical is focused on the needs of companies in the mechanical and manufacturing marketplace throughout the Southeast, including Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. To learn more about ModernTech Mechanical, visit www.moderntechmech.com or call (877) 553-9001.
About Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp., a Dassault Systèmes S.A. subsidiary, 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 +1-978-371-5000).
About Dassault Systèmes
As a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 100,000 customers in 80 countries. A pioneer in the 3D software market since 1981, Dassault Systèmes develops and markets PLM application software and services that support industrial processes and provide a 3D vision of the entire lifecycle of products from conception to maintenance to recycling. The Dassault Systèmes portfolio consists of CATIA for designing the virtual product – SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design – DELMIA for virtual production – SIMULIA for virtual testing – ENOVIA for global collaborative lifecycle management, and 3DVIA for online 3D lifelike experiences. Dassault Systèmes’ shares are listed on Euronext Paris (#13065, DSY.PA) and Dassault Systèmes’ ADRs may be traded on the US Over-The-Counter (OTC) market (DASTY). For more information, visit http://www.3ds.com/.
CATIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, SIMULIA, SolidWorks, and 3D VIA are registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries in the US and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright © 2009 Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp.
