Self-contained finger sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective measures such as gloves and intermediate barrier objects like tissues or toothpicks are inadequate for preventing contact transmission of viruses and bacteria, as they are not reusable, can harbor pathogens, and pose risks of secondary pollution.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained finger sleeve made of elastic material, comprising a cover, a thumb pocket, and a four-finger pocket connected via a U-shaped strap, allowing for easy use, storage, and reuse, with anti-slip protrusions and a fixing structure to prevent direct contact and secondary contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective gloves are used to prevent contact transmission, then protection effectiveness is improved, but they cannot be reused and generate waste
Solution Approach 1:
The finger sleeve changes its physical state between folded (storage) and unfolded (protection) configurations, allowing it to transition between compact storage and functional protection modes, enabling repeated use without degradation of protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The finger sleeve employs a dynamic structure that can be folded into a compact form for storage and unfolded into an extended form for protection, with the fourth finger pocket serving as a flexible connecting element that enables this transformation between states
2Duration of action of moving object
If protective gloves are reused after disposal, then reusability is improved, but they harbor bacteria and viruses causing secondary pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The finger sleeve is divided into distinct functional segments (thumb pocket, four-finger pocket, connecting element) that can be independently configured during folding and unfolding, allowing the contaminated outer surface to be systematically repositioned and enclosed during the folding process
Solution Approach 2:
The finger sleeve employs an inside-out folding mechanism where the outer surface that contacted contaminants is flipped inward during the folding process, effectively enclosing the contaminated surface within the folded structure and preventing secondary pollution
3Ease of operation
If intermediate barrier objects like tissues are used, then ease of use is improved, but they lack self-disinfection mechanism and pose secondary pollution risk
Solution Approach 1:
The finger sleeve performs self-disinfection through its mechanical folding action that automatically encloses contaminated surfaces within the folded structure, and can be sterilized by boiling water without requiring external disinfection mechanisms or processes
4Object-affected harmful factors
If protective measures are disposed after use, then hygiene is improved, but waste is generated and storage is unfavorable
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the finger sleeve after single use, the invention enables recovery and repeated use through its compact foldable design that allows easy storage, and through its durability that maintains protective function across multiple use cycles, eliminating waste generation
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 self-contained finger sleeve provides durable, ergonomic protection by enclosing potentially contaminated surfaces when not in use, reducing the risk of secondary pollution and allowing safe interaction with surfaces without direct contact, enhancing safety and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A self-contained finger sleeve, made of an elastic material, comprises a cover, a thumb pocket, and a four-finger pocket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A self-contained finger sleeve, made from an elastic material, comprising a retracting sleeve (1), a thumb sleeve (2), and a four-finger sleeve (3). One side edge of the sleeve opening of the retracting sleeve (1) is connected to one side edge of the sleeve opening of the four-finger sleeve (3), and the other side edge of the sleeve opening of the four-finger sleeve (3) is connected to one side edge of the sleeve opening of the thumb sleeve (2) by means of a U-shaped connecting band (4). The shape of the retracting sleeve (1) and the shape of the four-finger sleeve (3) are formed by assembling a modeling frame (5) arranged at the respective front and rear surface frames of each. On the front and back surfaces of the finger sleeve that are facing the same direction, the modeling frame (5) of the retracting sleeve (1) and the modeling frame (5) of the four-finger sleeve (3) cooperate to establish a rounded rectangular overall form of the finger sleeve during folded state. When the finger sleeve is in the folded state, the thumb sleeve (2) and the U-shaped connecting band (4) are arranged within a storage space, and are enclosed by the retracting sleeve (1) and the four-finger sleeve (3). When the finger sleeve is in an expanded state, the inside and outside of the four-finger sleeve (3) are reversed, and the thumb sleeve (2) moves to one side of the four-finger sleeve (3). The present self-contained finger sleeve has advantages such as convenient storage, reusability, high durability, and high safety.