Segmented Hook-and-Loop Fastener for Glove Fit and Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hook-and-loop fasteners in gloves are rigid, bulky, and heavy, which can compromise the fit, comfort, and aesthetics of the glove, while also increasing weight and negatively affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A glove design featuring a hook-and-loop fastener with a hook member as a continuous strip and a loop member divided into multiple sections, allowing for secure attachment and detachment without the bulkiness of a single continuous strip, with the sections aligned in a row and progressively smaller in width, enhancing flexibility and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single continuous strip of hook member and loop member is used, then the fastening strength is sufficient, but the fastener becomes bulky and increases glove weight
Solution Approach 1:
The hook member and loop member are divided into multiple discrete sections rather than using a single continuous strip. Each section is separated by spacing, which reduces the overall material quantity and weight while maintaining sufficient fastening strength through the distributed arrangement of multiple attachment points.
2Reliability
If a single continuous strip of hook member and loop member is used, then the fastener provides adequate closure, but it resists bending and affects glove fit
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the fastener into discrete sections with spacing between them, the fastener can bend and conform to the contours of the wearer's hand more effectively. The spaced arrangement allows each section to independently adapt to the hand shape while maintaining cumulative closure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design allows different regions of the fastener to have different properties - the hook and loop sections provide secure attachment where needed, while the spaced regions provide flexibility and conformability. This local variation in structure enables the fastener to simultaneously ensure reliable closure and adapt to hand contours.
3Reliability
If a single continuous strip of hook member and loop member is used, then the fastener maintains closure integrity, but it increases bulk and affects aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with spaced sections reduces the continuous material footprint, thereby reducing bulk and improving aesthetics. The discrete sections are arranged to maintain closure integrity through multiple distributed attachment points rather than requiring a continuous bulky strip.
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 design improves the glove's fit and comfort by allowing it to conform better to the hand, enhances gripping capabilities, and reduces bulk and weight, leading to improved performance and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The fastener can be a hook-and-loop fastener (i.e., pile tape), such as VELCROTM. The hook member of the fastener can removably attach to the loop member by layering the portions over each other and pressing the portions together.
Data Source
AI summary
A glove includes a main body that defines an interior space that is operable to receive at least a portion of the hand of the wearer. The main body includes an opening that divides the main body into a first portion and a second portion. The glove also includes a hook-and-loop fastener that includes a hook member and a loop member. The hook member and the loop member are operable to removably attach to each other. One of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the first portion of the main body, and the other of the hook member and the loop member is operably supported on the second portion of the main body. At least one of the hook member and the loop member is divided into a plurality of respective sections that are separated at a distance from each other.