Rotating-Arm Cuff Expander for Contamination-Free Glove Donning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glove donning systems are inefficient, time-consuming, and prone to contamination, especially in hygienic environments, due to manual handling and the use of vacuum or complex mechanical parts, which can lead to noise and malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus using rotating arms to expand the cuff of a garment, allowing for automated and fast donning by rotating the arms around their axes, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing the risk of contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used to don disposable gloves, then the process is simple and requires no complex machinery, but it is time-consuming and prone to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the glove donning process into distinct functional segments: a fetching arrangement to retrieve the glove, and separate cuff opening assemblies (with first and second arms) to independently manipulate and expand the cuff. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving automated donning without requiring a single complex mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cuff opening assemblies are designed to automatically expand the glove cuff through the coordinated rotation of arms, eliminating the need for manual manipulation. The system performs the donning task itself through automated mechanical action, improving productivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Extent of automation
If vacuum or suction is used to inflate the glove, then automated donning can be achieved, but noise is produced and suction power control is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the vacuum/suction-based automated donning system with a purely mechanical arm rotation mechanism. The cuff opening assemblies use rotating arms to physically expand the glove cuff through mechanical action rather than atmospheric pressure differential, eliminating noise and control difficulties associated with vacuum pumps while maintaining full automation.
3Extent of automation
If complex mechanical parts are used for automated donning, then automation is achieved, but the system is prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into simple, independent modules: a fetching arrangement and separate cuff opening assemblies with rotating arms. Each module has a single, well-defined function with minimal moving parts, reducing the probability of malfunction compared to integrated complex mechanical systems. The segmented design allows for easier maintenance and replacement if issues arise.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical linkages to achieve cuff expansion, the invention inverts the approach by using simple rotating arms that directly manipulate the cuff from the inside out. This inverted mechanical approach simplifies the transmission mechanism and reduces points of failure.
4Volume of moving object
If the arms are made to rotate around their axes, then compact design is achieved, but mechanical precision is required
Solution Approach 1:
The arms are designed to rotate dynamically around their axes rather than requiring precise fixed-position mechanisms. This dynamic rotation allows the arms to adapt to the glove's shape and size variations while maintaining compact apparatus dimensions. The rotational freedom provides tolerance for manufacturing variations and reduces the need for high-precision mechanical assemblies.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus (800) arranged for facilitating donning a garment (52) comprising a cuff on a part of a human body. The apparatus (800) comprises a at least one cuff opening arrangement (600, 700) arranged to open a cuff of a garment (52). The at least one cuff opening arrangement (600, 700) comprises a first (100) and a second (200) cuff opening assembly, each comprising a first (110, 210) and a second (120, 220) arm which are arranged to rotate around a first (GA1) and a second (GA2) geometrical axis, respectively. When the first (110, 210) and second (120, 220) arms are inserted into a cuff of the garment (52) and rotated around the first (GA1) and second (GA2) geometrical axes, respectively, the first (110, 210) and second (120, 220) arms are separated such that the cuff of the garment (52) is expanded. Thereby, facilitating donning the garment (52) on a part of a human body.