Elastomeric Glove Foam Donning Layer Moisture Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric gloves typically have a low moisture vapor transmission rate, leading to moisture being trapped next to the skin, causing skin damage and irritation, especially during prolonged use in healthcare settings, and existing solutions like cotton flocking are not suitable for medical or surgical applications.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric glove with a foam layer on the inside surface, made from polyurethane foam, which is hydrophilic and capable of absorbing moisture, optionally containing additives such as anti-microbial agents or therapeutic agents, to improve breathability and skin benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric gloves are used to provide impermeability and strength, then protection against solvents and oils is improved, but moisture vapor transmission is blocked causing skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The glove is divided into two distinct layers: an outer elastomeric layer for impermeability and an inner foam layer for moisture management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the glove have different properties - the outer surface maintains elastomeric characteristics for chemical resistance, while the inner surface incorporates hydrophilic foam for moisture absorption and breathability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cotton flocking is applied to improve moisture absorption, then breathability is enhanced, but lint production makes gloves unsuitable for medical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a porous foam material with controlled cell structure that provides moisture absorption and breathability without the lint production associated with cotton flocking. The foam's porous structure allows vapor transmission while maintaining a clean surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The glove combines elastomeric polymer with foam material to create a composite structure that integrates the protective properties of elastomer with the breathability of foam, eliminating the need for loose cotton flocking.
3Device complexity
If the glove structure is made simple without additional layers, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but moisture vapor transmission rate remains low
Solution Approach 1:
The foam layer's parameters (cell size, density, thickness) are optimized to achieve adequate moisture vapor transmission while maintaining a relatively simple two-layer structure that is easy to manufacture.
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 foam layer provides breathability and moisture absorption, reducing skin irritation and improving the glove's usability for extended periods without trapping moisture, while the additives enhance skin health and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The foam layer, for instance, may comprise an open cell foam and may be hydrophilic and capable of absorbing moisture
Implementation Method 2
The foam layer may comprise an open cell foam
Implementation Method 3
The presence of the foam provides the glove with some breathability
Implementation Method 4
The foam layer may comprise an open cell foam
Data Source
AI summary
Elastomeric articles, such as gloves are disclosed. The gloves include a primary matrix made from one or more elastomeric materials and a foam donning layer. In one embodiment, for instance, the donning layer can be formed from a polyurethane foam. The polyurethane foam can be created from the reaction product of a polyurethane prepolymer and a solution containing water. The resulting foam can be hydrophilic and can absorb moisture for preventing moisture from being trapped between the primary matrix and a user's skin.