Saunders approached PDT with its existing traction device, a hunk of sheet metal that while obviously sturdy, was somewhat costly to manufacture and lacked aesthetics. Saunders turned to PDT to create a plastic and metal hybrid version that incorporates additional features with a soft, comfortable feel.
PDT's team explored different design options incorporating foam pads, self-skinning foam urethanes, plastics and some strategic metal frame areas that maintain the high quality feel and robustness of the product. PDT's mechanical design team took the final design concept and made it into reality. The prototyping team built fully functional cosmetic prototypes which were later used for market verification as well as reliability testing on the critical moving components. PDT supported Saunders through manufacturing and began to closely work with a new manufacturing partner late in the design process to help move the product into production.
