Glove Mold Holding Assembly with Segmented Ledges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Glove molds made from fragile materials, such as ceramics, are prone to damage when connected to support structures during the dipping process in manufacturing gloves, leading to breakage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising first and second holders with complementary curved ledges and a center member, along with connectors, is used to securely engage the glove mold to a support structure, minimizing damage and facilitating the dipping process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glove molds are connected to support structure using conventional connection methods, then the molds can be supported during dipping, but the fragile molds are prone to damage and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemold integrityVSAvoiddamage to mold
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces holders as intermediary components between the glove mold and support structure. These holders engage with the mold at specific locations (fingers and palm) and provide a buffer interface that reduces direct stress concentration on the fragile ceramic mold surface, thereby preventing damage while maintaining support functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is divided into multiple discrete holders positioned at different locations on the mold rather than using a single rigid connection point. This segmentation distributes mechanical stresses across multiple engagement points, preventing localized damage to the fragile mold material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional connection methods are used, then the support structure can hold the mold, but the connection process is complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidconnection assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is extracted into separate, modular holder components that can be independently positioned and attached to the mold. This allows for simpler individual components rather than a single complex integrated connection device, reducing overall system complexity while improving ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The holders are designed to be pre-positioned or pre-assembled before the dipping process begins. This preliminary setup simplifies the actual connection process during manufacturing, reducing the time and complexity of the main production operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12103205B2Method and apparatus for holding glove molds
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 SUMMIT GLOVE INC
  • US12103205B2 patent drawing
  • US12103205B2 patent drawing
  • US12103205B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An assembly for use with a glove manufacturing system is provided. There may be an assembly having first and second holders that engage a glove mold. The first and second holders have respective ledges that each engage respective first and second sides of an edge that defines a slot in the glove mold. With the first and second holders coupled to the glove mold, a connector can connect the first and second holders to a support structure to thereby couple the glove mold the support structure. Then, the gloves may be formed through the use of the glove mold.