Functional Leather with Conductive Layer for Capacitive Gloves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leather gloves are non-conductive and cannot operate capacitive devices like touch screens, and existing conductive solutions suffer from wear, tear, reduced tactility, and limited color options, while protective leather products lack uniformity and durability.
Innovation Solution
A functional leather product with a sandwich structure of split layers, including a thin conductive layer between upper and lower split leathers, maintaining the appearance and integrity of natural leather, and optionally reinforced with abrasive-resistant or antimicrobial layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conductive yarn is sewn through the glove shell, then capacitive device operation is enabled, but the glove structure becomes more complex and protective properties are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element is extracted from the traditional yarn form and integrated directly into a thin functional layer that is laminated onto the glove shell's inner surface. This eliminates the need to sew conductive yarns through the entire glove structure, reducing structural complexity while maintaining capacitive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin functional layer serves as an intermediary between the glove shell and the user's skin, providing capacitive functionality without requiring penetration through the glove's protective structure. This intermediate layer enables touch screen operation while preserving the integrity of the glove shell.
2Ease of operation
If conductive yarn is used, then touch screen operation is enabled, but thermal insulation properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive function is extracted from traditional yarn form and implemented as a thin functional layer with conductive particles or conductive polymer. This thin layer provides sufficient electrical conductivity for capacitive touch while maintaining thermal insulation properties, as it does not penetrate through the entire glove thickness like sewn yarns would.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin functional layer is applied to the inner surface of the glove shell, providing capacitive functionality through a thin film structure that maintains thermal insulation. The thin film approach allows electrical conductivity without compromising thermal protection.
3Ease of operation
If conductive particulate with binding resins penetrates the leather cross section, then capacitive function is achieved, but tear strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive treatment is extracted from a penetration-based approach and converted to a surface-laminated functional layer. The functional layer with conductive particles is applied only to the inner surface of the glove shell, avoiding penetration through the leather cross-section and preserving the structural integrity and tear strength of the leather.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin functional layer serves as an intermediary that provides capacitive functionality without penetrating the leather structure. This intermediate layer is bonded to the inner surface, enabling touch screen operation while leaving the leather's load-bearing structure intact and strong.
4Ease of operation
If the glove shell is made thinner to enable capacitive function, then touch sensitivity improves, but protective properties are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The glove shell structure is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer protective shell maintaining original thickness and protection, and an inner thin functional layer providing capacitive functionality. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive functional layer is applied locally to the inner surface of the glove shell where finger contact occurs, rather than making the entire glove thinner. This localized approach provides touch sensitivity where needed while preserving the protective thickness and properties of the main glove structure.
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
Enables reliable operation of capacitive devices with improved durability, tactility, and color options, while maintaining the natural feel and protective properties of leather.
Implementation Method 1
the functional layer is electrically conductive... enabling the operation of capacitive devices... provides a conductive connection between a skin of a user and a capacitive input device
Implementation Method 2
said sandwich structure comprises a first layer... and a second layer... wherein the functional layer is attached at least in part to the first layer by attachment means
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3g
AI summary
The invention provides a functional leather product, preferably for a glove or a shell of a glove having a capacitive, near field communication enabling perceptible and/or protective function, and a method for producing said leather product. The leather product comprises leather in form of a cut piece (100) comprising at least in part a sandwich structure of at least two layers, wherein said sandwich structure comprises a first layer (110), which comprises an upper split leather obtained by at least partially splitting said cut piece (100) of leather parallel to its upper surface at a predetermined cross-sectional depth of maximum about 4,95 mm, preferably 2,5 mm and a second layer comprising a functional layer, wherein the functional layer (120) is attached at least in part to the first layer by attachment means. In a preferred embodiment the leather product can be used for shells of glove having a capacitive function, wherein the functional layer (120) is a conductive sheet and the maximum thickness of the upper split leather (110) is 0,5 mm.