Absorbent Foamed Lining for Moisture Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Latex gloves experience discomfort due to sweat buildup, leading to unnecessary discards, as existing solutions like foam liners with open-cell structures do not adequately address moisture absorbency.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to create a highly absorbent composite glove with a closed-cell foam structure that is mechanically converted to an open-cell structure using techniques such as flocking or applying micronized waxes, fillers, and rough-textured formers, enhancing moisture absorption capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed-cell foam structure is used, then the glove provides liquid resistance and structural integrity, but the moisture absorption capacity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by creating an open-cell foam structure through mechanical conversion of closed-cell foam. The foam is subjected to mechanical stress (rolling, pressing, or chemical treatment) that ruptures the closed cells and creates interconnected open pores, enabling moisture absorption while maintaining the foam's structural integrity and liquid resistance properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the foam layer with a liquid-resistant outer layer (such as polyurethane or nitrile) to create a multi-layer composite structure. The inner foam layer provides moisture absorption through its open-cell structure, while the outer layer maintains liquid resistance, achieving both functions simultaneously in a single glove product.
2Quantity of substance
If an open-cell foam structure is created, then the moisture absorption capacity increases, but the liquid resistance and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the glove into distinct functional layers: an inner open-cell foam layer for moisture absorption and an outer liquid-resistant layer for protection. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, as the open-cell structure is confined to the inner layer where liquid resistance is less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the open-cell foam layer with a liquid-resistant outer layer (such as polyurethane or nitrile) to create a multi-layer composite structure. The inner foam layer provides moisture absorption through its open-cell structure, while the outer layer maintains liquid resistance, achieving both functions simultaneously in a single glove product.
3Quantity of substance
If mechanical conversion methods (flocking, micronized waxes, fillers) are applied, then the open-cell structure and absorbency improve, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and structure of the foam through controlled mechanical or chemical treatment. By adjusting parameters such as mechanical stress intensity, treatment duration, or chemical concentration, the closed-cell foam is converted to an open-cell structure with optimized absorbency characteristics, achieving high moisture absorption without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting glove exhibits a moisture absorption capacity 1.5 to 10 times greater than existing foam-lined gloves, providing improved comfort and reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Implementation Method 1
a layer affixed to the liquid resistant layer comprising an open foam of elastomer, wherein the moisture absorption capacity of the foam layer
Implementation Method 2
mechanically converting the layer of foam elastomer from a foam structure including closed cell structure to a substantially more open cell structure
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in one embodiment is a cured absorbent composite comprising: liquid resistant layer of elastomer; and a layer affixed to the liquid resistant layer comprising an open foam of elastomer, wherein the moisture absorption capacity of the foam layer, normalized by the thickness of the absorptive layer, is 1.5 times that of Ansell's foam lined Household glove.