- Inventor creates flying umbrella
- Device struggles with wind
- Aims for autonomous follow function
Due to the consistently damp climate in Britain, carrying an umbrella frequently results in excruciating arm cramps.
However, a YouTuber and inventor might have a solution: a flying umbrella that follows the user through the downpour.
An adapted yellow umbrella, purchased from a retailer and modified with 3D-printed components and propellers, forms the basis of the improvised device.
Regrettably, the umbrella stays above the head and requires two-handed operation of the remote, leaving little room for carrying groceries.
Nevertheless, the inventor currently aims to develop an improved version capable of autonomously tracking and following the user.
The novel invention was developed by the engineer behind the YouTube channel ‘I Build Stuff’.
“Umbrellas have remained essentially unchanged for the past four millennia,” he states in the video.
“However, it is 2024; I see no reason to carry my umbrella.”
“Therefore, today I shall construct the first flying umbrella; what could possibly go wrong?”
As the engineer observes, previous attempts to create a flying umbrella have failed, primarily because the propellers were improperly positioned, either on the handle or above the canopy, blocking airflow.
To solve this, he mounted the propellers on the sides of the umbrella’s canopy, allowing them to protrude.
The device features a carbon fibre, X-shaped central frame with four limbs, providing a balance of lightness and durability.
Each limb ends with a propeller and motor, giving the device an appearance akin to a hybrid of an umbrella and a drone.
The software platform Onshape was used to design various components, which were then 3D-printed and delivered to his home.
‘Months’ of work on the device were nearly undone by improperly soldered wires, but it was eventually ready for testing.
The video shows that the flying umbrella initially performed well outside but struggled on its second attempt due to a slight gust of wind.
“The first flight went surprisingly well, but things quickly deteriorated,” the YouTuber said.
“As the second flight progressed, the umbrella began to stray, and I couldn’t retrieve it before it hit the fence.”
Even without rain, the flying umbrella began “extremely violently shaking” and crashed during a second test the following day.
Since then, a modification has made the device “even more stable than before,” though its performance in heavy rain remains unproven.
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“This device actually shields me from the rain,” he explains. “Though it wasn’t heavily raining, I believe it can withstand much harsher conditions; perhaps not stronger winds.”
The inventor wants a “autonomous” version that intelligently follows him, but he must keep it overhead.
“In the future, I might attach a camera to the underside of the umbrella and program it to track my location and adjust its movement accordingly.”
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