Glove Stripping Apparatus Cuff Gripping Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stripping elastomeric gloves from dip-moulding formers are labor-intensive and result in uneven stacks, which complicates further processing and packing, due to the need for manual labor and complex machinery that struggles to match production line speeds and ensure even glove placement.
Innovation Solution
A glove stripping apparatus with a gripping device and actuator system that grips and pulls the downwardly hanging cuff end of the glove, using opposed gripping members to constrict and pull the glove off the former, ensuring even stripping and orientation for subsequent processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual stripping methods are used, then labor intensity is high, but device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The stripping process is divided into two distinct stages: partial stripping performed by simple mechanisms and complete stripping performed by the invented apparatus. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving automation without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff end portion is partially stripped from the former before reaching the complete stripping apparatus. This preliminary action reduces the amount of work the complex machinery must perform, enabling automation while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing stripping machines are used, then some automation is achieved, but manufacturing precision is poor due to uneven glove placement
Solution Approach 1:
The beaded cuff end naturally engages with the gripping members through its own geometry and the constricting action of the members. The system uses the glove's own structural features to achieve precise positioning and uniform stacking, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap between the gripping members is dynamically adjusted from an open state to a constricted state. This parameter change enables the system to first receive the cuff end and then apply controlled constriction to achieve uniform stacking, improving precision without requiring overly complex device architecture.
3Productivity
If production speed is increased, then productivity improves, but the ability to ensure even glove placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The constricting action of the gripping members is applied continuously as the glove passes through, ensuring consistent engagement and orientation. This continuous action maintains manufacturing precision even at high production speeds by eliminating gaps or interruptions in the stripping process.
Data Source
AI summary
A glove stripping apparatus (15) for fully stripping a partially stripped elastomeric dip-moulded glove (2) from a hand-shaped dip-moulding former (4) comprises a gripping device (25) relatively movable with respect to a downwardly hanging cuff end portion (10), a gripping actuator (32), a stripping actuator (35) and a controller for controlling the operation of the actuators. The relative movement of the gripping device and the downwardly hanging cuff end portion is driven by the stripping actuator. The gripping device has first and second gripping members (24, 26) movable relative to each other by the gripping actuator. The gripping members provide opposed gripping surfaces (34, 36) for gripping the cuff end portion. The first gripping member and the second gripping member initially provide a horizontally extending gap between the gripping surfaces which receives the cuff end portion. The gripping members are moved to reduce the gap (40′) until the cuff end portion is restrained between the gripping surfaces with a beaded cuff end (3) of the glove being below the gap. The gripping members are moved downwardly (46) together towards the beaded cuff end so that the cuff end portion moves upwards relative to the gap until the beaded cuff end (3) is caught by the gap (40′). The downward movement is then continued until the glove is fully stripped from the dip-moulding former.