Design, modelling and rendering of a light belt

Electronic systems

Based in Ballon, Co. Carlow, Cheetah Electronics manufactures, distributes, installs and services various electronic systems. It supplies the agricultural market, county councils, private water schemes and private industry. Based on his own experience, Cheetah Electronics Managing Director, Padraic George, identified a gap in the market for a waist mounted light/torch which would allow running in low light conditions.

Early-stage prototype

Using his expertise in the field of electronics, Padraic was able to explore his idea and build an early stage prototype. Having identified the need for design development, he approached Design+ and was eligible to avail of Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Voucher Scheme.

Working with Design+ and its research centre, designCORE, the early-stage prototype was used to undertake user testing to examine its functionality and usability. The results of this testing were analysed, mapped and used to inform the concept stage of the project.

Innovation Vouchers

working prototype

2016

launch

The Cheetah Electronics & Design+ partnership

The concept stage began with the team collaborating in an ideation workshop where all avenues and approaches to the product were explored. Following this workshop, three different concepts were selected to be further developed. With the aid of SOLIDWORKS 3D modelling software and KeyShot rendering software, new concepts were designed and visualised. These concepts were then digitally presented to Cheetah Electronics and the rationale and direction for each concept explained in detail.

A second Innovation Voucher enabled Cheetah to further refine its product. During this phase, the chosen concept was developed in detail, resulting in a 3D print model which functioned as a working prototype for user testing.

Upon completion of the project, Cheetah was able to progress with further testing and design development before proceeding to manufacture, resulting in the Bodylite brand. The Bodylite running belt was successfully launched on the market in October 2016 and was recently featured on the RTE programme Nationwide.

“We were delighted with the opportunity to access the expertise within designCORE, they helped us bring our concept to reality. Our ‘Bodylite Night Runner’ is now selling online worldwide. We will continue to collaborate with designCORE on further product innovation in the future.”

Padraic George – Managing Director, Cheetah Electronics

Design, modelling and rendering of a light belt

Electronic systems

Early-stage prototype

The Cheetah Electronics & Design+ partnership

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