Brudeli Tech Three-Wheeler Cuts Sharp Corners with SolidWorks Design
CONCORD, Mass.--A three-wheeled vehicle – with two wheels in the front – designed in SolidWorks® 3D CAD software will soon give off-road and on-road enthusiasts a faster, safer ride than they’ve ever had before. The Brudeli 625L, designed by Norway-based Brudeli Tech AS, delivers the freedom of a motorcycle with the control of a four-wheeled vehicle. The 625L will be street legal by 2007.
Scheduled for launch in June 2007, the Brudeli 625L is the product of inventor Geir Brudeli’s engineering creativity and passion for motorcycles. He wanted to design a vehicle that filled the gap between motorcycles and small cars and off-road four wheelers. The result was unique, with two motorcycle tires up front, each slanted in parallel 45-degree angles to the ground when the bike is stopped. The construction allows the rider to lean into corners (as if on a motorcycle) at high speed without spinning out of control or rolling over. Brudeli and his team chose SolidWorks as their design tool to accelerate product development, reduce costs, refine component design, and make the dream come true.
“SolidWorks software began to contribute almost immediately,” said Brudeli. “First of all, some of us here who don’t have much CAD experience were able to learn and use it with minimal practice and instruction so we could quickly create better designs. Second, this type of project demands component-level accuracy. SolidWorks allows us to fix part interferences and ensure components such as the unique wheel mounts meet design specifications, saving both time and money.”
Brudeli Tech uses SolidWorks eDrawings® e-mail-enabled design communication tool to share models and component sketches with partners, designers and suppliers to discuss both technical and aesthetic aspects of the bike. Recipients can zoom, rotate, and otherwise manipulate a solid model as if they were holding it in their hands. Brudeli also cited SolidWorks software’s open architecture, which enables a growing number of manufacturers to use 3D models for their computer numerical control (CNC) manufacturing processes. “CNC machining with 3D reduces up-front costs and streamlines manufacturing, so we can get prototypes on the road for testing quickly.”
Brudeli Tech worked with Hareide Designmill, one of Scandinavia’s leading design firms, to develop the frame and refine the vehicle’s aesthetics. Brudeli expects to begin shipping the Brudeli 625L in 2007, with the U.S., Europe, and Russia as the primary markets.
“Tackling the unconventional is most every entrepreneur’s mission, and a coup for engineers that actually succeed in building something truly unique,” said SolidWorks Marketing Manager, Europe, Simon Booker. “The Brudeli vehicle is a show stopper. Its distinctive design is an example of how SolidWorks allows creative engineers like Brudeli to explore undreamt of concepts.”
Authorized SolidWorks reseller ProNor provides Brudeli Tech with ongoing software training, implementation, and support.
About Brudeli Tech AS
Brudeli Tech AS was founded in 2001 with the specific goal of developing the Brudeli 625L. The company is a small group of engineers with a background in automotive engineering and a strong passion for motorcycles. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.brudelitech.com.
About ProNor
ProNor is a leading CAD/CAM supplier within Norway, and has been a SolidWorks reseller since 1996. ProNor has sold over 3,000 SolidWorks licenses, and has offices in Jessheim, Stavanger, Trondheim, Raufoss and Ålesund. For more information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.pronor.com.
About SolidWorks Corporation
SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. company, develops and markets software for design, analysis, and product data management. It is the leading supplier of 3D CAD technology, giving teams intuitive, high-performing software that helps them design better 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 eDrawings are registered trademarks of SolidWorks Corporation. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Copyright (c) 2006 SolidWorks Corporation.
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