Rotary Umbrella

INTRODUCTION

The umbrella has the potential to be used as a disposable product. Users may buy multiple umbrellas in their life time for a number of reasons, however predominantly umbrellas break with no simple or obvious method of repairing, rendering them useless. The goal of this design project has been to look at and focus on methods of extending the life of the umbrella whilst taking into consideration ergonomics, semantics, life cycles and the relatively low cost of umbrellas.

RE-USING THE DESIGN

Every component on the chosen umbrella design can be fully dismantled and reassembled by the user with ease. This is so that the components can be recycled by the user and perfectly good components held within a broken umbrella are not wasted. The design is simple and obvious in its function. However all products have a life span and so it is important to have good material selection.

RE-CYCLING THE DESIGN

The design is made up of 16 components 4 of which are the same. Every beam structure and handle is made from the same material, laser cut from flat recyclable polypropylene sheeting. The design is not only simple in the number of components but simple in manufacturing techniques, assembly and end of life disassembly.

The umbrella incorporates a dynamic design where individual components are used for multiple functions. Materials were chosen for their sustainability but also their cost and function. An attempt was made to select cheap recyclable materials. Products such as Tyvek currently used predominantly in clothing and construction. It meets all the requirements of an umbrella fabric whilst being cheap and made completely from recycled polyethylene. However these are only suggested materials. Even if the materials selected were less sustainable but more durable, the design would probably still have an overall improved design in terms of sustainability.

DESIGN FUNCTION

As well as meeting the goal of designing an umbrella focused on the extension of product life span, careful consideration has also been taken into how the product performs as a functional design. Importantly ease of use, whereby the design tackles a new method of holding an umbrella. The form still in many ways resembles an umbrella, and this is key in providing clear semantics to the design. The positioning of the handles guide the user into the appropriate grip method, whereby part of the umbrella is supported under the arm. This provides more stability to the umbrella and gives the user a less strenuous method of grip. The design is also far safer with the absence of spokes and other sharp material and provides an interesting and new form of umbrella shape.

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