The Andrew Schneider Solar-Powered Bikini Charges Gadgets While You Tan
Corinne Guirgis — June 6, 2011 — Tech
References: metro
Remember how annoying it is when you're lying on the beach listening to music and all of a sudden your iPod runs out of batteries? With the Andrew Schneider solar-powered bikini -- those days are over.
"I use 40 individual paper-thin flexible, photo-voltaic panels for each bikini. I sew them together over a normal bikini using soft-conductive thread," Schneider explains, carrying on to say that that it takes him around 80 hours to sew the panels. Every swimsuit costs as much as your average designer bikini, $200.
The innovative bikini allows its owner to connect any modern gadget via the USB ports sewn into the fabric, so long as they are under the sun. And as far as getting in the water is concerned; as long as the wearer unplugs the USB ports and ensures the swimsuit is dry before plugging in another gadget, there is no risk.
Although to date, Schneider has only designed his practical yet fashionable swimwear for women, he is working on his men's line which will be available soon.
"I use 40 individual paper-thin flexible, photo-voltaic panels for each bikini. I sew them together over a normal bikini using soft-conductive thread," Schneider explains, carrying on to say that that it takes him around 80 hours to sew the panels. Every swimsuit costs as much as your average designer bikini, $200.
The innovative bikini allows its owner to connect any modern gadget via the USB ports sewn into the fabric, so long as they are under the sun. And as far as getting in the water is concerned; as long as the wearer unplugs the USB ports and ensures the swimsuit is dry before plugging in another gadget, there is no risk.
Although to date, Schneider has only designed his practical yet fashionable swimwear for women, he is working on his men's line which will be available soon.
Trend Themes
1. Solar-powered Wearables - The rise in popularity of solar-powered swimsuits provides an opportunity for the design and creation of other clothing items and accessories that function on renewable energy sources.
2. Flexible Solar Panels - With the use of paper-thin flexible solar panels, there is an opportunity for the creation of other products that incorporate this technology, such as tents, umbrellas, and hats.
3. Wearable Technology - The incorporation of USB ports in the bikini as an innovative feature in wearable technology provides an opportunity for the design and creation of other clothing items and accessories that incorporate gadget charging capabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can take advantage of the growing interest in fashionable and eco-friendly clothing by introducing more products that utilize renewable energy sources like solar power.
2. Technology - The incorporation of charging capabilities in wearable technology presents an opportunity for the tech industry to design and create new products for the growing market of wearable gadgets.
3. Outdoor Recreation - The use of flexible solar panels in outdoor accessories like tents, umbrellas, and hats can revolutionize the outdoor recreation industry by providing a sustainable and efficient way to power these products.
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