This inflatable bag by Royal College of Art graduate Peng You is designed to keep electronic devices safe from knocks and bumps.
Observing that people increasingly carry their whole lives around with them on electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones, Peng You created the protective bag to protect these gadgets from accidental damage.
"People carry more and more electronic products every day, such as laptops, iPads, cameras and iPhones," You told Dezeen. "Those things are not only fragile and sensitive, but also carry a huge amounts of business and personal data."
The Fugu bag is made from a heavy-duty carbon-fibre fabric coated on both sides with polyurethane. The fabric panels are joined together using high frequency welding rather than sewing for a stronger and more waterproof finish.
Inflatable sections are made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films, which are resilient under tension and elastic. Once inflated, they absorb any impact protecting the items inside.
"Traditional padding is too chunky and increases the weight of bag, and sometimes you don't even need it," said You. "I was inspired by inflatable sportswear and packaging, which provide lightweight but good protection."
"I tested more than 50 different inflatable patterns in TPU to find the most efficient shape," he added.
The bag takes one minute to pump up and stays inflated for up to five days. Deflation takes 10 seconds.
"If you have something sensitive or fragile, the inflating panel provides a safer space for your things," You said. "If you don’t have anything need to protect, you can just release the air." You told Dezeen.
The inside of the bag features a system of sacks, pouches and loops to keep the contents organised.
"The bag is intended for people who live and work in the urban environment," You explained. "It allows you to keep your devices close, especially when you're on the move."
The Fugu bag was designed in collaboration with ECAL graduate Hongchao Wang and is being presented at the Show RCA 2014 exhibition, which continues until 29 June.
This year's Royal College of Art graduate exhibition also includes tactile interfaces for electronic products made from conductive yarns, and a flexible and reusable packaging system for valuable goods. See more projects from Show RCA 2014 »