Pre-formed Ergonomic Surgical Gloves with Joint Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard surgical gloves are designed in a straight shape, which does not match the natural relaxed position of the hand, leading to biasing forces that cause fatigue in medical professionals during prolonged procedures, and lack flexibility to accommodate finger expansion and contraction.
Innovation Solution
Surgical gloves with pre-formed angles at finger joints and textured patterns to reduce biasing forces, allowing for easier flexion and extension, and incorporating varying material thickness and flexibility to mimic the natural hand shape and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If surgical gloves are formed in a straight position with fingers extended, then the glove structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the glove creates biasing forces that cause fatigue in medical professionals during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The glove is pre-formed with angles at the finger joints (MCP, PIP, DIP joints) that correspond to the natural relaxed position of the hand. This preliminary shaping of the glove material eliminates the need for the hand to overcome biasing forces during flexion, as the glove is already configured to match the hand's natural posture when not in use
2Quantity of substance
If surgical gloves are formed in a straight position, then the glove material can be used efficiently without excess, but the glove lacks flexibility to permit expansion of the hand during flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The glove incorporates dynamic features including ribs and patterned textures that allow the material to expand and contract as the hand moves through its range of motion. These dynamic elements permit the glove to adapt to changing hand dimensions during flexion while maintaining a snug fit at rest, eliminating the need for excess material
3Shape
If surgical gloves are formed in a straight position, then the glove provides a snug fit, but the glove creates biasing forces that must be overcome during finger flexion
Solution Approach 1:
The glove features localized variations in material properties including ribs, patterns, and varying thickness at specific locations corresponding to finger joints and flexion areas. These local modifications reduce biasing forces at critical points while maintaining overall snug fit and protection
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a surgical glove that alleviates the biasing force associated with bending or abducting the hand and fingers when wearing a surgical glove.