Dezeen Magazine

Fugu Bag by Peng You

Peng You's Fugu bag inflates to protect your gadgets

This inflatable bag by Royal College of Art graduate Peng You is designed to keep electronic devices safe from knocks and bumps.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

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.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

"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."

Fugu Bag by Peng You

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.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

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.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

"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."

Fugu Bag by Peng You

"I tested more than 50 different inflatable patterns in TPU to find the most efficient shape," he added.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

The bag takes one minute to pump up and stays inflated for up to five days. Deflation takes 10 seconds.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

"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.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

The inside of the bag features a system of sacks, pouches and loops to keep the contents organised.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

"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."

Fugu Bag by Peng You

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.

Fugu Bag by Peng You

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 »