Thermal-Stable Moisturizing Coating for Elastomeric Gloves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric articles, such as medical gloves, cause skin irritation and dryness due to prolonged wear, and existing coatings can deteriorate under sterilization and thermal conditions, compromising glove performance and user comfort.
Innovation Solution
A thermally stable coating composition applied to the skin-contacting surface of elastomeric articles, comprising a combination of polyhydric alcohol moisturizers and alphahydroxy lactones, which hydrates upon skin contact to provide prolonged skin moisturization and reduce irritation, while maintaining the physical properties of the gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a coating composition is applied to provide skin moisturization and reduce irritation, then skin comfort and therapeutic benefit are improved, but the coating may deteriorate under sterilization and thermal conditions, compromising glove performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the coating by selecting specific moisturizing agents (polyhydric alcohols, alphahydroxy lactones) and their concentrations to achieve thermal stability while maintaining skin benefits. The formulation parameters are optimized to withstand sterilization temperatures without compromising either the coating integrity or skin therapeutic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coating composition combining multiple ingredients (polyhydric alcohol moisturizers, alphahydroxy lactones, and optional additives) that work synergistically to provide both skin care benefits and thermal/sterilization resistance. This composite approach allows the coating to maintain multiple functions simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing coatings are used to enhance glove performance, then glove functionality is improved, but they can deteriorate under sterilization and thermal environments, adversely affecting both coating and elastomer properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the chemical and physical parameters of the coating formulation to match the thermal and chemical stability requirements of sterilization processes. By selecting specific ingredients and their concentrations, the coating maintains compatibility with elastomer properties while surviving sterilization conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a coating that is designed to be temporary in nature, providing skin benefits during the wear period and then being removed or degraded, rather than attempting to be permanent. This approach allows the coating to be optimized for skin therapy without the need for long-term durability through sterilization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-donning skin lotions are applied separately before donning gloves, then skin moisturization is achieved, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the skin moisturization function with the glove itself by incorporating the coating composition directly onto the elastomeric article. This integration eliminates the need for separate pre-donning lotion application, combining multiple functions (protection + moisturization) into a single product.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skin-care coating to the glove during manufacturing before the glove is delivered to the user. This preliminary action ensures the coating is ready for immediate use upon donning, eliminating the need for separate pre-donning lotion application steps.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If oily emollients are used in skin care lotions, then skin moisturization is improved, but they produce an uncomfortable greasy feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing traditional oily emollients with water-soluble polyhydric alcohol moisturizers and alphahydroxy lactones. This parameter change maintains effective skin moisturization while eliminating the greasy feel associated with oil-based products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical property of oil-based emollients with a water-soluble chemical system. This replacement maintains the moisturizing function through different mechanisms (water solubility and skin penetration) rather than relying on oily emulsion properties.
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 coating composition enhances skin moisturization, reduces irritation and dryness, and maintains the physical properties of the gloves, providing a non-greasy and comfortable feel, even after prolonged wear and exposure to sterilization and thermal conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The coating composition of the invention is adapted for application directly onto a skin-contacting surface of an elastomeric article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition of the invention is particularly suited for elastomeric articles which are associated with prolonged periods of wear... The coating composition hydrates upon skin contact to provide prolonged skin moisturization
Data Source
AI summary
The invention described herein relates to a therapeutic, moisturizing coating composition for elastomeric articles which is applied directly onto the skin-contacting surface of the article as part of the manufacturing process. The coating composition is thermally stable and subsequently hydrates when contacted with a moisturized skin surface to convert into a liquid “lotion” form during wearing of the article. The coating composition provides therapeutic benefits to the wearer's skin as a result of wearing the article, such as improved skin moisturization, softness of feel, improved skin elasticity and firmness, and reduced redness and irritation. The invention is particularly useful in medical gloves, including examination and surgical gloves.