Glove Closure Flap Ratchet Button Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing athletic glove closure systems, such as buckles, straps, buttons, elastic, pull closures, and hook and loop systems, face challenges in providing a secure, adjustable, and easy-to-operate fit, often requiring two hands and suffering from durability and limited tightening range issues.
Innovation Solution
A golf glove closure system featuring a ratchet-button mechanism integrated with a slide tab and cog wheel, allowing for one-handed tightening or loosening by rotating the button, which enhances the hook and loop fastening system for improved snugness and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional closure systems (buckles, straps, buttons) are used, then the glove can be tightened, but they are difficult to operate one-handed and have limited adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet-button mechanism allows the closure system to self-adjust through rotational movement, enabling one-handed operation while providing multiple adjustment positions through the ratchet teeth engagement
2Ease of operation
If elastic portions are used, then the glove is easy to operate one-handed and allows ingress/egress, but they stretch over time and cannot maintain a tight fit
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the dynamic elasticity of the elastic portion for initial donning with the static ratchet-button mechanism for sustained tension maintenance, allowing the glove to transition from easy donning to reliable fit retention
3Strength
If hook and loop closures are used, then the glove can be tightened, but they become clogged with fibers or dirt and are difficult to pull tight one-handed
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet-button mechanism replaces the friction-based hook and loop system with a positive engagement ratchet mechanism that provides secure tightening through tooth engagement rather than fiber interlocking, enabling reliable one-handed operation
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple flap with hook and loop fastening is used, then the glove can be closed, but it cannot provide sufficient tightening or adjustment control
Solution Approach 1:
The closure flap is segmented into functional components: the base flap for coverage, the elastic portion for initial tension, and the ratchet-button mechanism for precise adjustment control, allowing each component to perform its specific function
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 system provides a secure, adjustable fit that can be easily customized during use, maintaining a snug grip without the need for repeated tightening processes, addressing the limitations of existing closure systems by allowing for greater control over the glove's tension with minimal expansion or contraction.
Implementation Method 1
A ratchet-button, allows for a further tightening or loosening of the glove by the user merely rotating the button in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction
Implementation Method 2
a cog wheel that has teeth meshed within notches defined in the slide tab
Implementation Method 3
When the ratchet-button is turned the slide tab moves in and out to either tighten or loosen the glove
Implementation Method 4
attached by hook and loop fastening means
Data Source
AI summary
A glove closure system having an opening dividing the glove into a lateral side (thumb) and a medial side (pinky). The opening allows for easy access of the user's hand. The system consists of a rectangular or oval flap attached to the lateral portion and pulled over the access opening. A primary fit is caused by the user pulling the flap over to the back of the lateral side of the glove and fastening with a hook and loop attachment method.