Elastomeric Rubber Glove Interior Coating for Skin Hydration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric gloves cause excessive hand perspiration and dryness due to snug fits, leading to skin issues like dryness, sensitivity, and potential infections, exacerbated by frequent hand washing and use of cleansing agents.
Innovation Solution
A polymer system comprising polyol, botanical extract, emollient agent, silicone copolymer dispersion, lubricant, and surfactant is applied to the interior surface of gloves, forming a water-based dispersion to enhance skin hydration and reduce friction, eliminating harmful chemicals like sulphur and accelerators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If elastomeric gloves are made to fit snugly on the hand, then tactile sensitivity and dexterity are improved, but excessive hand perspiration and skin dryness occur
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer system coating is applied to the interior surface of the glove to act as an intermediary between the glove material and the skin. This coating contains humectants (glycerol, polyols), emollients (botanical extracts, oils), and conditioning agents that prevent direct harmful interaction while maintaining the snug fit necessary for tactile sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove interior is treated with a composite polymer system combining multiple functional ingredients: polyols for humectancy, botanical extracts for emollience, silicones for smoothness, and lubricants for reduced friction. This composite coating provides comprehensive skin protection while preserving glove fit and tactile properties.
2Reliability
If frequent hand washing and use of cleansing agents are required, then hygiene is improved, but skin's natural moisturizing factors are removed and lipid barrier is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer system coating is applied beforehand to create a protective barrier on the skin surface before exposure to cleansing agents. This pre-applied coating cushions the skin against the drying effects of frequent hand washing and sanitizing, reducing removal of natural moisturizing factors and protection of the lipid barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating contains self-replenishing moisturizing ingredients that continuously nourish and protect the skin throughout glove wear, compensating for the drying effects of frequent hand hygiene practices without requiring additional applications or interventions.
3Ease of manufacture
If harmful chemicals like sulphur and accelerators are used in glove manufacturing, then curing and vulcanization processes are improved, but skin dermatitis and allergic reactions are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent explicitly removes harmful chemicals (sulphur, accelerators) from the glove formulation and interior coating. The polymer system uses alternative, skin-safe ingredients that achieve the necessary curing and functional properties without causing dermatitis or allergic reactions, extracting the harmful elements while preserving manufacturing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation transitions from traditional sulphur-based curing to alternative curing mechanisms using safe polymers and crosslinking agents. This parameter change in chemical composition eliminates dermatitis-causing substances while maintaining the structural integrity and functional performance of the glove material.
4Ease of operation
If emollient agents and lotions are sprayed onto the interior of gloves, then skin comfort is improved, but harmful residual chemicals are transported into the user's skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable glove design where the polymer system coating is applied during manufacturing rather than as a separate reusable lotion. Each new glove provides a fresh, controlled layer of safe ingredients, eliminating the need for users to apply additional products that could transport harmful chemicals into the skin through repeated use and reapplication.
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 gloves provide improved skin hydration, reducing transepidermal water loss and maintaining healthy skin pH, with a 300% increase in hydration percentage and low dermatitis potential, enhancing user comfort and dexterity.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer system may provide improved hydration of skin of a user when worn on the hand, and reduce transepidermal water loss
Implementation Method 2
The polymer system may be applied to the interior surface by dipping the interior surface into a water-based dispersion of the polymer system
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a glove is provided with improved hydration characteristics and low dermatitis potential. The glove comprises a substrate and a polymer system that coats a surface of the substrate. The polymer system comprises: a polyol, a botanical extract, an emollient agent, a silicone copolymer dispersion, a lubricant, and a surfactant. The substrate may be free of sulphur and accelerators. An example formulation of the polymer system may comprise glycerol, Aloe vera, a carnauba wax dispersion, dimethicone, a polyalkylene glycol (PAG), and polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate. The polymer system may be applied to the\surface of the substrate by dipping the surface into a water-based dispersion of the polymer system, or spraying the water-based dispersion onto the interior surface. The polymer system may be blended into water at a total solids content of 0.8% to 1.2% w/w to form the water-based dispersion.