Dorsal Protective Glove with Segmented Impact Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Workers in the oil and gas extraction industry face hand injuries from impacts on the dorsal side due to the difficulty of gripping tools and pipes coated with lubricants, as existing gloves lack adequate protection for specific bones and joints, particularly the nail bed, and compromise dexterity.
Innovation Solution
A glove design with raised protective elements on the dorsal side covering metacarpals, phalanges, and joints, which slope laterally to cover the nail bed and are segmented for flexibility, made from materials like polymers, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomers, ensuring impact protection while maintaining dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If sport gloves with segmented thick foam padding are used, then dorsal hand protection is improved, but hand dexterity and protection for specific bones and joints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The protective elements are divided into multiple segments corresponding to different anatomical regions (metacarpals, proximal phalanges, intermediate phalanges, distal phalanges, and nail beds). Each segment is independently positioned to protect specific bones and joints while allowing natural hand movement and flexibility in other areas, thus maintaining dexterity while providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove incorporates protective elements with varying characteristics at different locations: harder protective elements over metacarpals and proximal phalanges for impact protection, and softer protective elements over distal phalanges and nail beds for protection against sharp blows. This localized variation in protective element properties optimizes both protection and dexterity for each specific hand region.
2Ease of operation
If fitted gloves with molded polymer rubber elements are used, then grip function is improved, but protection for specific bones and joints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The glove combines multiple functions into a single integrated design: the protective elements serve both as impact protection structures and as grip-enhancing features. The raised protective elements on the dorsal side provide impact protection while their positioning and configuration also contribute to hand stability and tool manipulation, merging protection and grip functions into one unified structure.
3Ease of operation
If common knit gloves with raised polymer dots are used, then grip function is improved, but lifespan and impact protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The glove is constructed from composite materials including durable base fabric and protective elements made from resilient materials such as thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, or polymer compounds. This composite construction provides both the grip function needed for tool handling and the durability required for extended use in demanding oil and gas extraction environments, extending glove lifespan while maintaining protective capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A safety glove for use in the oil and natural gas extraction industries whereas a unique design on the dorsal portion of the glove is provided, the dorsal portion comprising a plurality of raised protective members extending substantially along the entire length of the finger and thumb portions of the glove.