Glove intermediate membrane having moisture permeability and waterproof functions and to be simultaneously coupled to outer shell and inner liner, gloves using same, and manufacturing method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gloves face challenges in achieving both moisture permeability and waterproof functions while maintaining grip and manufacturing efficiency, with complex processes and high costs, particularly in winter and waterproof gloves that require both sweat discharge and water prevention.

Innovation Solution

A glove intermediate membrane system comprising a first moisture-permeable and waterproof membrane paired with a second membrane of lower melting point, made of fiber assemblies with voids, is inserted between the inner liner and outer shell, allowing for heat-assisted joining, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an intermediate membrane is spaced apart and coupled between outer shell and inner liner to provide waterproof function, then water blocking capability is improved, but heat-retaining function is sharply reduced when water fills between outer shell and intermediate membrane

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof functionVSAvoidheat-retaining function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

A heat-retaining layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the intermediate membrane and the outer shell. This heat-retaining layer acts as a mediator that maintains thermal insulation even when water is present in the gap between the outer shell and intermediate membrane, thereby preserving the heat-retaining function while maintaining waterproof capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a coating layer is applied to inner surface of outer shell to improve waterproof function, then water blocking capability is improved, but discharge of sweat to outside is blocked generating limitation in moisture permeable function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof functionVSAvoidmoisture permeable function
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing function is segmented from the outer shell by introducing a separate intermediate membrane with waterproof properties. This allows the outer shell to remain porous and moisture-permeable while the intermediate membrane provides the necessary waterproof barrier, thus resolving the conflict between waterproofing and sweat discharge capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If woven fabric is used to manufacture gloves requiring complex cutting and sewing process to match three-dimensional structure, then structural precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional structure matchingVSAvoidcutting and sewing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The intermediate membrane is designed as a integrated component that combines multiple functions (waterproofing, heat-retaining, and structural shaping) into a single element. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate cutting and sewing operations, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the three-dimensional structure required for glove fit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If knitting fabric is used to manufacture gloves without cutting or sewing process, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but waterproof function is completely lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoidwaterproof function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The knitting fabric maintains its simplicity and comfort properties in the inner liner and outer shell, while the intermediate membrane introduces localized waterproof quality only where needed. This local application of waterproofing preserves the ease of manufacture and comfort of knitting fabric while adding the necessary waterproof function in specific areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 effective moisture permeability and waterproof functions, enhancing grip and reducing manufacturing time and costs, while ensuring the gloves can be used in various applications, including those requiring both properties like oil drilling and skiing.

Implementation Method 1

a second intermediate membrane disposed on one of an inner surface and an outer surface of the first intermediate membrane and having a melting point lower than that of the first material so that the first intermediate membrane is joined to one of the inner liner and the outer shell by heat supply

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP3167733B1Glove intermediate membrane having moisture permeability and waterproof functions and to be simultaneously coupled to outer shell and inner liner, gloves using same, and manufacturing method therefor
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SEES GLOBAL
  • EP3167733B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3167733B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3167733B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

The present invention relates to a glove intermediate membrane having moisture permeability and a waterproof function, gloves using the same, and a manufacturing method therefor. A glove intermediate membrane, which is inserted between an inner liner and an outer shell of a glove, is manufactured in such a manner that a glove shaped first intermediate membrane made of a first material having moisture permeability and a waterproof function and a glove shaped second intermediate membrane made of a second material having a melting point lower than that of the first material to be joined thereto are overlapped with each other, and then an edge portion excluding a wrist portion is thermally bonded. Also, a glove is manufactured in such a manner that an inner liner, the above-described intermediate membrane, and the ouster shell are sequentially put onto a mold and thermally bonded. The glove manufactured as described above has moisture permeability and a waterproof function and simultaneously has an excellent grip feeling. The manufacturing process is simple to reduce manufacturing time and also remarkably reduce manufacturing costs.