Bicycle Glove Direct-Molded Padding Anatomical Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cycling gloves with padding materials like foam or gel often require additional securement methods such as stitching or adhesives, which can compromise comfort and durability, and may not provide optimal anatomical support or ventilation.
Innovation Solution
Direct molding of a thermoplastic elastomer onto a flexible material within a contoured mold, forming an anatomical shape with optional perforations, and securing it between the flexible material and a facing material without additional adhesives or stitching, creating a glove with integrated anatomical padding and ventilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional padding materials (foam, gel) are used in cycling gloves, then shock absorption and hand protection are improved, but additional securement methods (stitching, adhesives) are required which compromise comfort and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the padding material and the glove lining into a single integrated component through direct molding. The resilient material is molded directly onto the flexible material to form the palm panel, eliminating the need for separate padding layers and their associated securement methods. This merging of components resolves the contradiction by maintaining hand protection while removing complex securement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The directly molded resilient material serves its own securement function through the molding process itself. The liquid resilient material is applied in contact with the flexible material and at least partially solidified while in contact, creating a self-securing bond without requiring external adhesives or stitching. This self-service approach eliminates additional securement methods while maintaining protection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If additional securement methods (stitching, adhesives) are used to attach padding, then padding attachment is improved, but comfort and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The molding process itself provides the securement function. The liquid resilient material is applied in direct contact with the flexible material and at least partially solidified while in contact, creating a self-securing bond. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external adhesives or stitching that would compromise comfort and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the resilient material from liquid to solid state during the molding process. The liquid resilient material is applied and then at least partially solidified while in contact with the flexible material, creating a permanent bond. This phase transition provides stable attachment without requiring additional securement methods that would compromise comfort and durability.
3Reliability
If conventional padding methods are used, then hand protection is provided, but optimal anatomical support and ventilation are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The directly molded resilient material can be shaped to provide specific anatomical support in different regions of the palm. The molding process allows for variation in thickness and density in different areas to match the anatomical requirements of the hand, providing optimized support where needed while maintaining overall hand protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates perforations in the resilient material to provide ventilation. The porous structure allows air flow through the padding material, preventing moisture buildup and improving comfort while maintaining the anatomical support and hand protection functions.
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 solution provides enhanced comfort, support, and grip for cyclists by ensuring the resilient material is securely integrated into the glove's anatomical shape while maintaining flexibility and ventilation, improving overall hand protection and grip on handlebars.
Implementation Method 1
Direct molding can include applying the resilient material in liquid form into contact with the flexible material and at least partially solidifying the resilient material while it is in contact with the flexible material
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a glove includes placing a flexible material into a contoured mold, direct molding a resilient material (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer) onto the flexible material while the flexible material is in the contoured mold, and securing the flexible material to other materials to create a glove. The resilient material can be applied in liquid form and at least partially solidified while in contact with the flexible material. Direct molding can include forming the resilient material into an anatomical shape and forming perforations in the resilient material. The method can be used to create a cycling glove including a palm panel having a flexible material, a resilient material formed into an anatomical shape and co-molded to the palm panel, and a back panel secured to the palm panel. The glove can further include a facing material attached to the flexible material with the resilient material sandwiched in between.