Innovation Project: Umbrella

My group of six was charged with the task of innovating the umbrella. My initial concerns with the item were as follows: while umbrellas are apt to break and have other flaws, these tend to be traded-off with positive functions of the piece (e.g. light-weight pieces make it easier to break or catch in the wind); many forms of innovation already exist for the object, such as the "umbrella hat"; and as I am not an engineer, it's difficult to consider all of the technical difficulties of performing whatever ideas might come to mind.

I had a variety of ideas involving umbrellas, as listed on the sheet, which can (for the most part) be combined with others. Included are the following:

• Mechanical pieces to the umbrella, including but not limited to a heated handle option, misting devices underneath the skeleton for beach use, and an air blower which removes the water from the umbrella's top surface instead of leaving a watery residue on the accessory while indoors.
• Solar panels on the top portion of beach umbrellas or parasols to fuel these mechanical operations, as well as charge other items such as batteries or portable music playing devices.
• Inflatable umbrella heads to be stored with a handheld air pump if desired, for highly compact containment and/or emergency use.
• Kite-shaped umbrella with edging along the sides to direct water to the corners, where flaps continue this relocation for aesthetic purposes or into tubing which leads to water bottles stored at one's belt, allowing for water conservation. This is particularly useful in areas were tap water is unsafe, but rain is common.
• Umbrella designs that allow complete customization by allowing the consumer to purchase each tier or panel, depending on preference, and attach them together in a roof tile style overlapping from the bottom via connective material (velcro, zippers, hooks, etc.) and supported by an equally-customized skeleton structure. Both handles and prongs are similar to supports used in pitching tents, where you can extend the metallic structure to be the appropriate length for your needs. Customized umbrellas are sold based partially on their basic practicality, but primarily for the "build-an-umbrella" experience for families and fashion.
• Different handle and panel shapes, among them a built-in "grip" for additional comfort.