Real ‘Invisible Umbrella’ takes Advantage of the Air Flow as Shelter from the Rain

Umbrellas are already halfway there: compact as possible, they deploy in a quick motion and retract almost as easily. But problems remain: they are wet when you walk indoors, and their intentionally-then structure remains fragile.

A team of Chinese designers is looking to do away with the awkward metal poles and canopy entirely, relying instead on a ‘force field’ of air to keep you nice and dry. This innovative design uses air flow to protect the user from rain. Call the Air Umbrella, it creates an invisible shield with multi-directional air-jets that dispel raindrops and keep the user dry.

Air umbrella uses a lithium battery to power a motor and fan, which creates a cycle of air flowing through its tip to deflect the drops and form the protective layer. It looks rather like a plunger, but it’s deceptively brilliant.

Created by a research and development team from China headed by designer Chuan Wang, the concept’s been in development for a few years, but they’re now aiming to raise $10,000 through Kickstarter to get it onto the market. The perks include different types of air-flowing umbrellas in the line, but none of the products are scheduled to be available until the final quarter of 2015.

Check out their video presentation below: