Multilayer Elastomeric Gloves with Color-Contrast Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable gloves lack visual differentiation between layers, making it difficult for users to identify multilayered gloves and detect pinhole leaks or defects, which can compromise the integrity and safety of the gloves during use.
Innovation Solution
A multilayered glove design with visually distinct outer and wearer-contacting surfaces, where at least one layer is a different color or pattern from the other, allowing users to easily recognize the glove as multilayered and detect breaches or defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multilayered gloves are manufactured with uniform color, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user ability to detect pinhole leaks and identify multilayered structure is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing at least one layer of the elastomeric article with a different color than the other layer(s). This allows users to visually distinguish between layers and detect pinhole leaks or defects, as the contrasting color makes it evident when the outer layer is compromised and the inner layer is exposed. The color differentiation directly addresses the detection reliability issue without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If single-color gloves are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but user recognition of multilayered structure and barrier protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements color changes by incorporating different colors into at least one layer of the elastomeric article. This enables users to easily recognize the multilayered structure and understand the barrier protection provided by each layer. The color differentiation is achieved through standard elastomer compounding techniques, maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving user recognition and awareness of the glove's protective layers.
3Productivity
If uniform color is used throughout the glove, then production efficiency is maintained, but detection of defects and breach indication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by providing at least one layer with a different color than the other layer(s). This creates visual contrast that makes it easier to detect defects, pinhole leaks, and breaches in the elastomeric article. The color differentiation does not significantly impact production efficiency, as it is achieved through standard compounding processes during glove manufacturing, while substantially improving defect detection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Multilayer elastomeric articles and methods of making the same are disclosed in which the outside or outer distal surface of the article is a different color or otherwise visually distinct in appearance from the inside or wearer contacting surface of the article so that the user of the article can readily identify the article as a multilayer elastomeric article. In one aspect, elastomer emulsions, solvent solutions, or plastisols used to form each layer may be modified with the addition of base color and/or colorant components in order to form a colored or patterned layer. In another aspect, one or both of the surfaces of the elastomeric articles (or layers of the articles) may be coated with such a colorant component to sufficiently visually distinguish the layers from each other.