Breathable Waterproof Glove Manufacturing via Layer Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproof gloves lack breathability and flexibility, making them unsuitable for outdoor activities where moisture management and stretchability are essential.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing breathable waterproof gloves by using an inner elastic glove layer, an intermediate waterproof and breathable glove layer, and an outer non-stretchable glove layer, where securement tabs connect the finger portions of the inner and outer layers, allowing for significant stretching while maintaining waterproof integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If waterproof materials are used in gloves, then waterproofness is improved, but breathability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer membrane structure where each layer is a thin film designed to provide specific functions. The waterproof layer uses a microporous membrane with pore sizes that block liquid water while the breathable layer allows water vapor transmission, resolving the contradiction between waterproofness and breathability through carefully engineered thin film structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove construction integrates multiple materials with complementary properties: an elastic inner layer for flexibility, a waterproof microporous membrane for water protection, and a breathable outer layer for moisture vapor transmission. This composite material approach allows simultaneous achievement of waterproofness and breathability that single materials cannot provide.
2Reliability
If waterproof layers are added to gloves, then waterproofness is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof system is segmented into multiple discrete layers rather than using a single thick waterproof material. Each layer is relatively thin and can move independently to some extent, allowing the overall structure to maintain flexibility while providing cumulative waterproof protection through the layered architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film membranes for waterproofing rather than thick rigid materials. These thin films are inherently more flexible and can conform to hand movements and glove deformation, maintaining dexterity and flexibility while providing the necessary waterproof barrier.
3Ease of operation
If the inner glove layer is stretched significantly, then comfort and fit are improved, but connection strength to the waterproof layer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The securement tabs and attachment mechanisms can accommodate movement and stretching of the elastic inner layer while maintaining connection integrity. The system adapts to the deformation of the glove during wear, preserving both stretchability and connection strength through flexible attachment design.
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 method enables the production of gloves that are both waterproof and breathable, allowing for at least 5-30% stretching in one direction, ensuring comfort and performance during outdoor activities while maintaining waterproofness.
Implementation Method 1
intermediate glove layer resistant to penetration by liquid water but permeable to water vapour
Implementation Method 2
inner elastic glove layer... allows significant stretching of the inner glove layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a breathable waterproof glove, the method comprising: providing an inner glove layer (30) in a stretched configuration over an oversized glove former (20); while the inner glove layer (30) is in the stretched configuration adhering the inner glove layer (30) to an inner surface of an intermediate glove layer (40) resistant to penetration by liquid water but permeable to water vapour at a plurality of discrete securement locations to form an intermediate glove part in a stretched configuration,the intermediate glove layer defining a first plurality of finger portions (46); providing an outer glove part defining a second plurality of finger portions; and attaching using interconnecting securement tabs (48) the first plurality of finger portions (46) to the second plurality of finger portions formed on the outer glove layer such that each one of the finger portions of the first plurality is registered with a corresponding one of the finger portions of the second plurality.