CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
29 September 2008
Implementation Investments
Lucid Gives Facelifts a Charge with SolidWorks Software
A 10-minute, non-surgical facelift from a device that clinicians can also use to “erase wrinkles and inches” was unheard of before U.K. consultancy Lucid Product Design Group recently developed one in SolidWorks® 3D CAD software. Genie Complete uses patented electrotherapy technology to deliver the latest in skin rejuvenation and toning and has been launched in China.
Genie Tech is a Liverpool, U.K. company that has commercialized breakthrough electrotherapy research from Scotland’s University of Glasgow to deliver concentrated electric charges for 10-minute facelifts without scalpels. Genie Complete delivers precisely controlled microbursts of electricity that stimulate cells for a variety of different skin treatments. Without any product development experience, Genie Tech worked with Lucid Product Design Group to develop the multi-faceted device from the ground up. Lucid, a longtime SolidWorks customer, had a very short window to design, prototype, refine (based on user feedback), and produce a working model.
“First mover status was critical, so we needed a partner that could develop the product based on all of the necessary input in less than a year,” said David Rosenblatt, Genie’s managing director. “We hired Lucid largely on the basis of its long track record using SolidWorks in our line of business – not just as a technical design tool – but as a way of clearly visualizing ideas.”
Genie Complete delivers the electric charges via contact pads attached to affected areas of the skin or pen-type probes used to massage the area during treatment. Lucid engineers used SolidWorks eDrawings® e-mail-enabled design communication tool to send easy-to-understand solid models of the Genie design to beauticians, who could review the device’s shape and interior and provide direct feedback.
“Aside from the electronics, ergonomics and aesthetics rule the design. So user input is a must,” said Alistair Williamson, managing director at Lucid. “SolidWorks allowed us to get quick verification of design ideas from those users and innovate on-screen so that we could accelerate prototyping and finalize a design suitable for market distribution within 10 months.”
Engineers also used the SolidWorks SimulationXpress design validation tool to help ensure structural components would be optimized for minimal weight, cost effective enough to make, and strong enough to stand up to constant use. Using SolidWorks sheet metal functionality enabled suppliers to better determine costs while maximizing materials use quickly and accurately.
“Lucid Product Design Group has again demonstrated what it means to transform a truly innovative concept into a working product,” said Chris McManus, the U.K. and Ireland country manager for Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. “The Genie Complete stands as an example of the power of SolidWorks’ integrated product development software to help startups gain a business advantage.”
Lucid Design Group relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller NT CADCAM for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
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