Elastic Projection Covering for Enhanced Tactile Sensitivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic materials used in garments, such as gloves, often lack sensitivity to touch and dexterity due to their inherent properties, which are not water-repellent, breathable, or fireproof, and do not effectively enhance tactile sensation.
Innovation Solution
A covering with projections of varying heights and apex forms made from a polymer material that can be integrated into garments to improve touch sensitivity, allowing for air ventilation, moisture wicking, and cooling, while simulating finger contact and adhesive properties by penetrating the carrier material, which can be used on the inside or outside of garments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If synthetic materials are used for production of a glove, then manufacturing control, productivity and quality consistency are improved, but dexterity and sensitivity to touch deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating projections with varying heights and apex forms (acute, rounded, flat) at specific locations on the glove surface. These localized structural variations enhance tactile sensitivity and dexterity in gripping regions while maintaining the overall synthetic material benefits for manufacturing consistency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding projections that extend outward from the base surface of the synthetic material. This dimensional addition creates a textured surface structure that improves touch sensitivity and dexterity without compromising the underlying synthetic material's manufacturing advantages.
2Reliability
If synthetic materials are used for production of a glove, then water repellency, breathability and fireproof properties are improved, but sensitivity to touch deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating projections with varying heights and apex forms (acute, rounded, flat) at specific locations on the glove surface. These localized structural variations enhance tactile sensitivity and dexterity in gripping regions while maintaining the overall synthetic material benefits for manufacturing consistency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by adding projections that extend outward from the base surface of the synthetic material. This dimensional addition creates a textured surface structure that improves touch sensitivity and dexterity without compromising the underlying synthetic material's manufacturing advantages.
3Ease of operation
If projections with varying heights are used, then touch sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the height, apex form (acute, rounded, flat), and distribution of projections to optimize touch sensitivity. These parameter variations are integrated into a single molding process, allowing complex tactile properties to be achieved without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 covering enhances dexterity and sensitivity by improving touch sensation through resonance with the skin, allowing for better handling of fine objects and electrical impulse transfer, offering advantages over traditional materials like leather.
Implementation Method 1
The covering enhances dexterity and sensitivity by improving touch sensation through resonance with the skin
Implementation Method 2
The spacing of the projections allows for air ventilation, moisture wicking and assists with cooling
Implementation Method 3
The softer, more flexible or elastic the polymer is, the greater is the tendency to penetrate or conform to finer surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
Covering (1), in particular for a garment (30, 50) or a device to be handled manually, in order to increase the sensitivity to touch, comprising a plurality of projections (2 - 13) projecting from a base surface (14), the projections (2 - 13) being made of an elastically deformable material wherein at least some of the projections (2 - 13) have a flat (17), acute (15) or rounded apex (16).