Fisher/Unitech provides tools to create a collapsible, detachable roof that can be pulled over a motorcycle in a few seconds.
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 Fischer/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.”
The Roof For Two canopy is currently in beta testing, and is expected to go to market in Spring 2013.