Air-Umbrella

People certainly have researched and invented new techniques, rather devices to improve traditional umbrella.

To name a few there are the solar-powered Booster Brolly, the windproof Rainshader and the lopsided Rain Shield. But now a team of Chinese designers is looking to do away with the awkward metal poles and canopy entirely, relying instead totally on a “force field” of air to keep you nice and dry.

The Air-Umbrella is one such gadget that provides a rain protective shield around the users body.

 

The similar idea of using air flow to shield users from pelting rain has been discovered before also.Couple of designers developed a similar concept back in 2010, though this version seemingly never made it to market.

What’s the take?

The latest take on the Air umbrella is that it uses a lithium battery which supplies power to a motor and a fan, which creates a cycle of air flowing through its tip to deflect the drops and form the protective layer.

How much protection are we talking about exactly?

Well, the designers say  that at the current stage of development the umbrella will provide enough shelter for two people, though if the rain isn’t too heavy more people can be squeezed underneath.

The team is working on three models, all resembling something like a detached shower head. The first model claims to be designed for females and is 30 cm (1 ft) in length and 500 g (1.1 lb), with a battery life of 15 minutes. The second model is of 50 cm (1.64 ft) long, weighs 800 g (1.76 lb) and has a 30 minute battery life. The third model is extend-able, ranging from 50 cm (1.64 ft) to 80 cm (2.62 ft), weighing 850 g (1.87 lb), also with a 30 minute battery life.

All of these three models are capable of providing a rain protecting cover to two people and if the rain is light, the battery can last longer. The design is simple and comfortable, which is only natural, since we’re talking about air and nothing else.

With these battery times one wouldn’t want to be shipwrecked in a rainstorm, but they might just be enough to get you home from the bus stop without becoming a cold, shivering mess.One of the big concerns was the sound it created, which impelled the company to use a unique material that absorbs noise. It is exclaimed by the researchers that it is quieter than the sound of moderate rain

The team is looking to raise US$10,000 on Kickstarter for the production of its Air umbrella and looks to be having reasonable success to date. The price of this great product is estimated to be around $200 for the larger models, once the Air Umbrella hits the market. Deliveries are slated to commence from December 2015 if all goes to plan.

It would be a great to see the reaction of people towards such a product.

The readers can see the demonstration of the air-umbrella in the video.