Product Development Story | AirTag™ Compatible Folding Umbrella Handle
A "smart" solution to keeping your favorite umbrella for a lifetime
Breaking the heartbreaking cycle of "disposable" umbrellas
You step off the train and suddenly realize your hand feels light. "Oh no, my umbrella." Everyone has been there at least once. The indescribable sense of loss when you lose your favorite umbrella, followed by the act of buying a cheap plastic one just to get by, only to leave that one behind somewhere else... As an umbrella specialist, I have long wanted to put an end to this "vicious cycle" of umbrellas. Taking care of and continuing to use an umbrella not only organizes your own lifestyle but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Taking on the challenge of "retrofitting" through 30 years of experience
When I thought, "Can we add tracking capabilities to prevent losing umbrellas?", I chose the path of "replacing the handle" rather than creating a new umbrella from scratch. I believed there was value in making your current favorite umbrella "smart" just as it is. However, this was no easy feat. The screw diameters and shaft structures of folding umbrellas on the market are incredibly diverse. Drawing on all the knowledge gained from over 30 years of researching umbrella structures, I measured a vast number of samples. I arrived at a standard with a "13-14mm screw diameter"—the most versatile and secure option—and refined it through repeated millimeter-level adjustments.
Engineering functional beauty and peace of mind into 5 grams
The biggest challenge in development was balancing a design that houses an AirTag without compromising the feel of the umbrella. If it becomes too heavy, the umbrella's balance is ruined. Therefore, I chose lightweight and durable ABS resin as the material, trimming the weight down to just about 5g (excluding the AirTag). It is finished in a uniform, matte-textured black that fits naturally in your hand without detracting from the original design. Open the Apple "Find My" app, and you can see the location of your umbrella at any time. To realize this simple peace of mind, the internal structure is meticulously designed so the AirTag doesn't rattle while remaining easy to insert and remove.
Turning rainy days from "anxiety" into "peace of mind"
This AirTag™-compatible folding umbrella handle is more than just a gadget; it is a tool to support your resolve to "use the things you love for a long time." Once you are liberated from the anxiety of losing your umbrella, the scenery on a rainy day should look a little different. You can walk anywhere with your favorite umbrella. I invite you to experience this new daily routine for yourself. As an umbrella professional, I recommend it with confidence.
