Elastomeric Coating Reduces Transepidermal Water Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable articles made from latex, such as gloves and condoms, often cause discomfort due to transepidermal water loss and skin dryness, with existing coatings either ineffective or compromising the durability and flexibility of the materials.
Innovation Solution
A moisturizing composition comprising 10-30% humectant, 1-5.4% antioxidant, and 10-20% emollient, applied as a coating on the inner surface of flexible materials like elastomeric latex, which reduces transepidermal water loss and promotes skin hydration without degrading the material's properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If natural extracts are mixed with latex composition to improve skin hydration, then user comfort is improved, but durability and flexibility of the article are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the moisturizing function into separate components: the latex article structure maintains its integrity while a distinct coating layer containing natural extracts is applied to the inner surface. This segmentation allows the base material to retain its mechanical properties while the coating provides skin hydration benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a coating layer as an intermediary between the latex article and the skin. This coating contains the natural extracts (aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin) that provide moisturizing effects, while the coating itself acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the extracts and the latex matrix, thereby preserving the latex's durability and flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If coating is applied to inner surface of wearable articles to improve user experience, then skin hydration is improved, but undesirable residues on skin surface are formed leading to discomfort and allergies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the composition parameters of the coating by using water-soluble natural extracts (aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin) instead of oil-based moisturizers. This parameter change ensures that the coating can be easily absorbed or rinsed off the skin, minimizing residue formation and reducing the risk of allergic reactions while maintaining effective skin hydration.
3Quantity of substance
If oil-based moisturizers are used for coating to improve skin hydration, then hydration effect is enhanced, but effectiveness is limited compared to desired results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite coating formulation that combines multiple natural moisturizing agents (aloe vera extract, vitamin E, glycerin) in specific proportions. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of different substances: aloe vera provides soothing and moisturizing properties, vitamin E offers antioxidant protection, and glycerin acts as a humectant to retain moisture, together delivering superior hydration effectiveness compared to single-component oil-based moisturizers.
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 long-lasting hydration and improves user experience by reducing transepidermal water loss and promoting skin barrier recovery while maintaining the elasticity and durability of the wearable articles.
Implementation Method 1
i. 10 to 30% by weight of at least one humectant
Implementation Method 2
ii. 1.0 to 5.4% by weight of at least one antioxidant
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable article, a moisturizing composition and a method for preparing a wearable article have been disclosed. The wearable article includes at least a layer of a flexible material, wherein the flexible material is an elastomeric material and an inner surface of the layer of flexible material is a coated with a coating formulation comprising 1% to 7% by weight of a moisturizing composition and 93% to 99% by weight of solvent. The moisturizing composition includes 10 to 30% by weight of at least one humectant and 1.0 to 5.4% by weight of at least one antioxidant. Thereby, the present invention reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and promotes skin barrier recovery.