Embossed Elastomeric Glove Surface for Better Tool Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric gloves lack sufficient friction on the outer surface for effective gripping, particularly in manufacturing and medical settings where tools or instruments are handled.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric article, such as a glove, is designed with an embossed pattern on one side to enhance gripping, formed by debossing a mirror image of the pattern into a mold and using a coagulant dip-coating process to create a textured surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smooth surface is used on the outer side of the elastomeric glove, then the glove provides good protection and comfort, but the friction for gripping tools and instruments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different surface characteristics on different sides of the glove. The outer side (grip side) has an embossed pattern with increased surface area and friction for better tool handling, while the inner side (donning side) maintains a smooth surface for comfort and flexibility. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each surface for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove surface is segmented into two distinct zones: the outer grip surface with embossed patterns and the inner smooth surface. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the outer zone provides enhanced friction for gripping while the inner zone ensures comfort and dexterity, thereby resolving the contradiction between gripping capability and surface smoothness.
2Ease of operation
If an embossed pattern is added to the outer side of the glove, then friction for gripping is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The embossed pattern is incorporated into the mold before the elastomeric material is applied. By pre-forming the pattern in the mold, the complex surface texture is created during the basic forming process rather than requiring additional post-processing steps. This preliminary action reduces manufacturing complexity while achieving the desired gripping enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the pattern formation step with the glove forming step by using a molded patterned surface. This combination integrates the embossed pattern creation into the primary manufacturing process, eliminating separate operations and reducing overall manufacturing complexity while still providing enhanced gripping capability.
3Ease of operation
If the embossed pattern covers the entire outer surface, then gripping is improved, but the material usage and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The embossed pattern is strategically applied to specific regions of the outer surface where gripping is most needed, such as the palm and finger areas, rather than uniformly across the entire glove. This localized application reduces elastomeric material usage while maintaining effective gripping capability in the critical zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying the embossed pattern to the entire outer surface, the patent uses partial action by covering only the necessary gripping areas. This partial coverage is sufficient to provide the required friction for tool handling while minimizing material consumption and production costs.
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 embossed pattern increases friction, improving the user's grip on tools and instruments, enhancing safety and functionality in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
dipping the mold into a first solution comprising a first powder free coagulant; dipping the mold into a first elastomeric formulation
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric article and a process for forming an elastomeric article are provided. The elastomeric article includes a body having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The body is formed from an elastomeric material including polyurethane, nitrile rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, isobutylene-isoprene rubber, polychloroprene, polyisoprene, natural rubber, or a combination thereof. The first side includes a uniform surface. The second side includes a surface having an embossed shape extending therefrom in a direction opposite the first side of the body.