Multilayer Glove Thermal Layer for Protection Without Added Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firefighting gloves increase in bulk when designed for improved thermal protection, leading to reduced dexterity and mobility of the wearer's hands and fingers.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer glove construction featuring a woven or knit inner layer, a liquid barrier intermediate layer, and a thin, adhesive thermal layer made of materials like Gore® tape Model T-4999, which provides enhanced thermal protection without significantly increasing bulk, thereby maintaining dexterity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the thickness of existing glove layers is increased to improve thermal protection, then thermal resistance performance is improved, but glove bulk increases particularly in fingers and fingertips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by introducing a thermal layer made of aramid fiber tape with specific thermal conductivity properties (0.04-0.08 W/m·K) and controlled thickness (0.15-0.30 mm). This allows achieving superior thermal protection (TPP ≥ 75%) without increasing glove bulk, as the aramid fiber tape provides high thermal resistance per unit thickness compared to traditional insulation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite glove structure combining multiple materials with complementary properties: outer layer (abrasion resistant), intermediate layer (moisture barrier), and thermal layer (aramid fiber tape for thermal protection). This composite construction achieves both thermal protection performance (TPP ≥ 75%) and maintained dexterity by optimizing the thickness and properties of each layer.
2Reliability
If the number of heat resistant layers is increased to meet safety standards, then thermal protection performance is improved, but glove bulk increases leading to reduced dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the thermal layer to 0.15-0.30 mm, which provides sufficient thermal protection (TPP ≥ 75%) while maintaining glove flexibility and dexterity. The aramid fiber tape's high thermal resistance allows achieving safety standards with minimal thickness, preventing the glove from becoming bulky and compromising hand movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal layer is strategically positioned between the intermediate layer and outer layer, specifically in the bridge area and extending to fingers. This localized placement provides targeted thermal protection where heat transfer is most critical, while avoiding unnecessary bulk in areas where dexterity is most important, thus achieving both safety and ease of operation.
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 solution achieves at least 75% greater thermal protection performance compared to traditional constructions while minimizing glove bulk, ensuring improved dexterity and compliance with safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal layer affixed to and overlying the intermediate layer in at least a portion of a bridge area... provides enhanced thermal protection
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer comprising a barrier to the passage therethrough of liquids
Data Source
AI summary
A construction for a glove or other article of clothing for use in hazardous environments is disclosed, comprising a first layer comprising a laminate that includes an inner layer comprising a woven, nonwoven, or knit material, an intermediate layer comprising a barrier to the passage therethrough of liquids that overlies the inner layer, and a thermal layer affixed to and overlying the intermediate layer in at least a portion of a bridge area. The thermal layer is approximately 0.30 mm thick. The construction also includes a second layer attached to and overlying the first layer to form an outer portion for the glove or other article of clothing. The first layer and the second layer combined provides a thermal protection performance (TPP) of at least approximately 75% greater than a reference combination of the first and the second layer that does not include the thermal layer.