When you really think about the concept of the Ice-Cycle, the umbrella shown here, it makes sense. But, at first glance, it's hard to grasp how ice can be used as the fabric for a sun-shading umbrella.
Created by designer Jiang Qian, the Ice-Cycle features a metal frame with an ice top, which is kept frozen through special terminals that act like a refrigerator. When it gets too hot though, it will start to melt, which is why the designer says, "the more you use it in cold places, the longer the life of the umbrella will be."
But isn't the whole point to use it when it's hot?
Melting Umbrellas
The Ice-Cycle Uses Ice as Fabric to Protect You from the Sun
Trend Themes
1. Ice-cycle Umbrella - The Ice-Cycle umbrella uses ice as fabric for sun-shading, presenting an opportunity for innovative cooling solutions.
2. Metal Frame - The metal frame in the Ice-Cycle umbrella opens up possibilities for durable and lightweight umbrella designs.
3. Heat-activated Melting - The heat-activated melting feature in the Ice-Cycle umbrella offers potential avenues for adaptive and eco-friendly sun protection.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Accessories - The Ice-Cycle umbrella showcases potential disruptions in the outdoor accessories industry, urging companies to explore alternative material choices.
2. Refrigeration Technology - The special terminals in the Ice-Cycle umbrella open up opportunities for innovation in refrigeration technology, specifically for portable cooling applications.
3. Sustainable Fashion - The use of ice as fabric in the Ice-Cycle umbrella suggests disruptions in the sustainable fashion industry, encouraging experimentation with unconventional and eco-friendly materials.