Brief Summary
Invention/Project: Air Umbrella
Country: Concepts and prototypes were actively developed in China and promoted through international crowdfunding platforms.
Period: Active discussion and launch attempts around 2014-2016.
Essence: A concept of an umbrella without a fabric canopy, using a powerful airflow generated by a motor in the handle to repel raindrops and create an "air shield."
A futuristic and appealing idea, but completely failed at the implementation stage due to critical shortcomings: terrible noise, extremely short battery life (15-30 minutes), heavy weight, high price, and questionable effectiveness in heavy rain or wind. An example of a concept that crashed against the laws of physics and the limitations of modern technology.
Brief Summary:
Invention/Project: "Straddling Bus" (TEB - Transit Elevated Bus)
Company: TEB Technology Development Company (developer and promoter)
Country: China
Period: Concept presented ~2010, prototype and tests ~2016, project discontinued ~2017
Essence: A futuristic concept of a giant portal bus moving on special rails above traffic lanes, allowing cars to pass underneath.
A loud, widely publicized project that turned out to be a flop. Faced unsolvable technical problems, safety issues, financial fraud accusations, and was quickly shut down after a demonstrative "test drive." A vivid example of hype disconnected from engineering and economic reality.