'Counter-Balanced Motion' Sliding Seat Performans Well In Crash Tests

CONCORD, Mass.--May 8, 2006--A West Coast development team has used SolidWorks(R) software to design and analyze a new seat that could double the safety of cars in head-on collisions. Several car companies and seating manufacturers are presently testing the seat, which operates on the same principle as a porch glider - pendular motion.

American Ergonomics Corp. recently performed an extensive series of crash tests on its Counter-Balanced Motion ("CBM") seat technology under National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) guidelines. Dummies riding in the seat and wired with sensors were driven into a solid wall at 35 mph. The test results, affirmed by specialized auto crash simulation software, indicated the CBM seat could reduce head injuries by 30 percent and leg injuries by 70 percent, according to the company.

Head-on collisions generally involve two impacts, one when the driver's body slams forward in the cockpit and a second, rearward "whiplash" when the head and neck recoil. The CBM seat mitigates the first impact in a collision by arcing forward a few inches on an upturned rail, tipping the body away from the impact and folding the legs safely away from the floor. The lower back stays safely in contact with the backrest, and the face travels more slowly to impact with the airbag. The seat absorbs the subsequent recoil by sliding back into its original position. The same actions serve everyday comfort by enabling drivers and passengers to stretch their legs, automatically adjust their seat, and experience continuous lumbar support.

CBM technology was developed by the same team that produced the ultra-flexible Ergomax(R) office chair, American Ergonomics of San Rafael, Calif., and Gizmo Design of Sebastopol, Calif. Designer Tom Greer, owner of Gizmo Design, used SolidWorks 3D CAD software to adapt the seat design for automobiles and used COSMOSWorks(R) Designer analysis software to refine the design and carefully predict what would happen to the seat upon impact.

"After the crash test, we removed the seat pan and held it up to the COSMOSWorks image on our computer screen, and they were identical," said Greer. "COSMOSWorks absolutely predicted what would happen in the real world so precisely it made our hair stand on end. More importantly, the result of our work will make the difference between someone leaving the scene of a crash on foot or, sadly, in an ambulance.

"We purchased SolidWorks software over Pro/ENGINEER(R) and AutoCAD Inventor(R) Series because of its ease of use, compatibility with other platforms, and pervasive use by our machine shop partners," he said. "It has served us well over many products and many years." Greer uses the software to design a wide range of products for the consumer, medical, aerospace, and automotive industries, including Hasbro's SuperPlexus Maze Game.

"The inventor and designer have an unquenchable passion for design and innovation - in this case, a potentially life-saving innovation," said Rainer Gawlick, SolidWorks vice president of worldwide marketing. "We aim to support it through equally passionate innovation of the SolidWorks and COSMOS(R) products through 2007 and beyond."

For more information on this invention, listen to the podcast at http://www.solidworks.com/mediapodcast. Gizmo Designs relies on authorized SolidWorks reseller Hawk Ridge Systems for ongoing software training, implementation, and support.

About American Ergonomics Corporation

American Ergonomics Corporation is a California corporation engaged in the research and development, prototype manufacturing, patenting, and licensing of several lines of dynamic seating products for the transportation, industrial, office, and ergonomic seating markets. The company's research is focused on methods to support the human body comfortably in seated posture and alleviate back pain. This inventive technology has led to vehicular designs that increase comfort and safety. The president of American Ergonomics Corporation, Hector Serber, has patented several dynamic seating designs, conducted R&D, and managed manufacturing and

testing of prototypes with large automakers, aircraft manufacturers, and other seating industries. For more information, visit www.americanergonomics.com

About Gizmo Design

Gizmo Design was founded in 1999 by Tom Greer, who brings a rich background of product design, engineering, prototype fabrication, and manufacturing to the company's work. Having worked as both a design engineer and manufacturing engineer, Greer has a keen sense of what it takes to make a product work and how to manufacture it cost effectively. Areas of expertise include consumer products, industrial and commercial products, tooling, aerospace composites, and on-shore/off-shore manufacturing. For more information, visit www.gizmodesign.com.

About Hawk Ridge Systems

Hawk Ridge Systems is one of the largest SolidWorks CAD VARs in North America. Founded in 1995 in the San Francisco Bay Area, HRS has nine offices located throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Hawk Ridge has 20 Certified SolidWorks Engineers on staff and maintains a 2:1 ratio of engineers to salespeople - more than double the industry norm. This heavy investment in customer support, plus an array of industry-leading products including SolidWorks, COSMOSWorks, and PDMWorks(R) has attracted thousands of West Coast customers in industries ranging from fiber optic networking products, semiconductor equipment, medical devices, consumer products, automotive, and aerospace. For more information visit www.hawkridgesys.com.

About SolidWorks Corporation

SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systemes S.A. company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, providing intuitive, high-performing software that helps product design teams develop great products. For the latest news, information, or an online demonstration, visit the company's Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

SolidWorks and PDMWorks are registered trademarks of SolidWorks Corporation. COSMOS and COSMOSWorks are registered trademarks of Structural Research & Analysis Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2006 SolidWorks Corporation.