However, because of its unique design, the umbrella would whisk the rain at passersby, which could be a problem if the user lived in a place with a lot of people in close proximity.Īlso, do humans need more things to charge? Would the classic umbrella stands be replaced by Air Umbrella charging stations? Is this the future–relying on electricity to power everything?Ĭaitlin Hui (10) shares this sentiment, saying that “it’s not good, because you’d be getting water into other people’s faces.” Currently, that time is thirty minutes which, compared to the maximum time limit of a regular umbrella (several years), is quite short and could limit the audience to city or suburban residents.
Because its fan is powered by a battery, the Air Umbrella would need to be charged after its maximum time is reached. Unfortunately, this invention is not without its faults. It works thanks to a fan powered by a lithium battery, hidden in the umbrellas. 'Air umbrella' is a new invention that creates a ‘force field of air to create an invisible shield from downpours. It also would not take up as much space as a regular umbrella does. An umbrella that deflects raindrops to create an air barrier around the user could be the next must-have winter gadget. With the Air Umbrella, there would be no more inside-out issues or dripping fabric. It’s been both ridiculed and praised, scoffed at and sensationalized.Ĭreated by students from the Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the Air Umbrella uses a small fan to control airflow and repel rain off its user.Ĭurrently, there are three sizes: A, which is 30 cm long and weighs 500 grams and has fifteen minutes of battery life B, which is 50 cm long, with a weight of 800 grams and a battery life of thirty minutes and C, which weighs 850 grams, can extend to 80 centimeters, and has a battery life of 30 minutes. It’s an invention that has created waves through its Kickstarter campaign, amazing skeptics by raising eight times more than its targeted amount of $10,000. The 'Air Umbrella' is expected to hit the market in December 2015 and supporters can reserve a model for a starting pledge of $88 (RM270).It’s a new sensation that’s been featured on the websites of USA Today and the Huffington Post. Air umbrella currently only exists as a prototype but has already raised more than three times its funding target on crowdfunding website Kickstarter. However, the team behind the gadget is currently working on improvements and alterations to solve the problems faced before it arrives in the market next year. Air Umbrella-a is compact in design and can only operate for 15 minutes before running out of charge, while b and c can last for 30 minutes each, with the latter featuring an extensible handle. The disadvantages of the design are that the device needs to be charged after 15 to 30 minutes of use, depending on the model, and the fact that those around you might not be too happy with you deflecting the rain to their direction. It works thanks to a fan powered by a lithium battery, hidden in the umbrella's handle. " Air Umbrella" is a new invention that creates a ‘force field' of air to create an invisible shield from downpours.
( Relaxnews) - An umbrella that deflects raindrops to create an air barrier around the user could be the next must-have winter gadget.