Multi-Layer Glove Bonding via Roll Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glove manufacturing techniques face challenges in assembling multiple layers without compromising comfort and functionality, particularly when combining properties like chemical and cut resistance, due to issues with polymer penetration and complex robotic bonding methods that result in stiff and uncomfortable gloves.
Innovation Solution
A novel mechanical process using a slide-from-tip application apparatus and method to roll together the opposing surfaces of a liner glove and an exterior glove with an open tacky adhesive coating, applying external pressure and heating to accelerate the curing of the adhesive, ensuring a secure bond without wrinkling or decreased performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If air pressure inflation is used during bonding of liner glove and exterior glove, then the layers are pressed together for bonding, but the process complexity and operational difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the air inflation system from the bonding process entirely. Instead of using a robotic receiving mold with pressurized air injection, the invention uses a simple manifold that distributes adhesive evenly across the liner glove surface, eliminating the need for complex inflation apparatus while achieving effective bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The bonding process is segmented into distinct sequential steps: adhesive application to the liner glove, placement of the exterior glove, and manual or automated pressing. This segmentation simplifies the overall process by breaking down the complex air inflation bonding into manageable, independent stages that can be performed with simpler equipment
2Strength
If the liner glove surface is made tacky to improve bonding, then adhesion increases, but the additional layer does not easily slide across the surface increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied to the liner glove surface in advance, before the exterior glove is placed. This preliminary action creates a controlled tacky surface that facilitates bonding while allowing the exterior glove to be positioned and smoothed without excessive difficulty, as the adhesive is already in place to guide the bonding process
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the exterior glove surface tacky and having the liner slide across it, the invention inverts the approach by applying adhesive to the liner glove and having the exterior glove placed onto it. This reversal simplifies the process by allowing the exterior glove to be positioned first, then bonded with the adhesive-coated liner
3Reliability
If polymer is dipped to provide chemical resistance, then chemical resistance is achieved, but polymer penetration occurs making the glove stiff and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies chemical resistance locally only where needed on the exterior glove surface, rather than dipping the entire glove in polymer. This selective application maintains chemical resistance in critical areas while preserving the natural flexibility and comfort of the glove material in non-critical areas
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining the flexible base glove material with a separate polymer coating or laminate applied only to the exterior surface. This composite approach provides chemical resistance through the polymer layer while the base material maintains comfort and flexibility, avoiding the polymer penetration issues of dip-coating
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
This method allows for the secure bonding of multiple layers without air inflation, maintaining comfort and functionality, and accelerates the curing process of the adhesive, resulting in a durable and effective multi-layer glove with enhanced resistance properties.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive coating layer intermediate the first glove and the second glove bondingly secures the first glove and the second glove together
Implementation Method 2
Also, a heating of the assembled glove helps to further melt the adhesive into a liner of a textile material and accelerate cross-linking and curing of the adhesive layer
Implementation Method 3
accelerate cross-linking and curing of the adhesive layer to bond the opposing surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A glove (10) with a first glove (12) rollingly attached to a second glove (16) having a tacky adhesive coating (14) during an open time between application of the adhesive coating and cure, which bondingly secures the first and second gloves together. A glove assembly apparatus (40) having a first form (50) for receiving a first glove (12), said first form (50) having five spaced-apart digital carriers (52) for receiving a respective digital portion of the first glove (12), and a second form (22) for receiving a second glove (16), said first form (50) movable relative to the second form (22) to roll the digital portions of the first glove (12) into contact with a tacky open adhesive coating layer on the second glove (16), and an apparatus for applying the adhesive coating, so that the first glove and the second glove bond together upon cure of the adhesive coating. A method of assembling a first glove to a second glove is disclosed.