Case Study: Samson Design Associates, Inc. halves development cycle and saves $200,000+ with SolidWorks

Spinning out an innovative vertical rescue system with SolidWorks Simulation

Samson Design Associates, Inc., a product development firm that turns human-interaction concepts into manufacturable products, faced tighter client budgets and accelerated schedules while designing the VRS‑X hands‑free vertical rescue system. To meet strict weight, strength, safety and thermal requirements for a device that must safely lower up to 330 pounds, Samson adopted SolidWorks 3D CAD and SolidWorks Simulation to integrate modeling and analysis early in the design process.

Using SolidWorks Simulation together with SolidWorks CAD, Samson iterated critical components virtually—switching from machined aluminum to a glass‑filled polymer composite (dropping unit weight from 7 to under 4 lb), validating the centrifugal brake’s thermal response, and demonstrating compliance with ANSI/NFPA descent requirements. SolidWorks‑based analysis eliminated five prototypes (saving more than $200,000), cut the prototyping cycle roughly in half (about two months), and confirmed material and performance for a faster, lower‑cost product launch.

Samson Design Associates, Inc.

Nick Smith

Mechanical Engineer