Stacking of folded gloves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glove stacking systems face challenges in maximizing the number of gloves packed within a given volume due to uneven stacking and trapped air, which can lead to contamination issues and inefficiencies in dispensing, especially with ambidextrous disposable gloves.
Innovation Solution
A glove stacking apparatus featuring pivotable and laterally movable flaps with fingers that alternately fold and compress gloves to form an interfolded stack, ensuring even packing and minimizing air pockets, while a cyclic flap actuation system drives the folding and withdrawal actions to maintain a stable stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all cuffs are positioned at one side of the stack for dispensing, then the dispensing operation is simplified, but the stack becomes uneven and thicker, reducing the number of gloves that can fit in a given volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by alternating the position of cuffs on opposite sides of the stack rather than positioning all cuffs uniformly at one side. This creates a more balanced, symmetric stack geometry that maximizes packing density while maintaining dispensing functionality through the top aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-sided cuff arrangement to a multi-dimensional alternating pattern where cuffs are distributed on opposite sides of the stack. This spatial redistribution optimizes the three-dimensional packing arrangement, allowing the stack to achieve better compression and fit within the dispenser volume.
2Device complexity
If gloves are stacked without interfolding, then the stacking process is simpler, but air pockets remain trapped and packing density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the glove structure into cuff portion and finger portion, with each glove folded such that these segments interlock with adjacent gloves. The cuff of one glove is positioned within the finger portion of the next glove, creating a segmented, interlocked stack that eliminates air pockets and maximizes density.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nesting arrangement where the cuff portion of each glove is nested within the finger portion of the adjacent glove. This nested configuration allows gloves to be tightly packed in an interfolded pattern, eliminating void spaces and achieving optimal packing density within the dispenser.
3Quantity of substance
If the stack is compressed to increase packing density, then more gloves fit in the dispenser, but air pockets are trapped and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-folding each glove in a specific interfolded configuration before stacking. The cuffs are预先 folded to position them within the finger portions of adjacent gloves, creating a compressed yet breathable structure that allows air to escape during stacking while maintaining high packing density and reducing contamination risk.
4Device complexity
If a single dispensing aperture is used on one side, then the dispenser structure is simpler, but the aperture must extend across the top requiring users to reach in, reducing ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional side-wall aperture configuration by positioning the dispensing aperture at the top of the stack. This inversion allows users to access gloves by pulling from the top, eliminating the need to reach into a side aperture and improving ergonomics while maintaining a simple single-aperture structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A glove stacking apparatus (1) for forming a stack (2) of folded gloves has a supporting surface (6) for supporting said stack as folded gloves (10) are added to the stack along a stacking axis(8), the first and second flaps (18, 18') being pivotable about first and second pivot axes (19, 19') on opposite first and second sides (21, 21') of a glove stacking area(20). The supporting surface is relatively movable as said folded gloves are added to the stack. The apparatus includes a cyclic flap actuation system (25) configured to drive a folding action of each flap in which said flaps alternately pivot (27, 27') about the corresponding pivot axis so that each flap folds a first portion (3) of a deposited glove overlapping a flap towards a second portion (5) of the glove at the glove stacking area, the folding action alternating as gloves are added to the stack. Each flap in addition to being pivotable is also laterally movable both towards (28, 28') and away (29, 29') from the glove stacking area and comprises a plurality of fingers (30, 30') separated by gaps(44, 44'). Following the folding action the flaps are withdrawn laterally in a withdrawing action, following which each flap returns to an initial position in a returning action in which said flap is pivoted about the pivot axis and moved laterally, ready for the next folding action. The apparatus further comprises first and second supporting platforms (24, 24') on the opposite first and second sides of the glove stacking area for supporting the first portion of each deposited glove prior to folding of this portion by the flap fingers. Each supporting platform has a plurality of slots (26, 26') therein, the slots of each platform being aligned with the fingers (30, 30') of the corresponding flap (18, 18') to accommodate movement of the fingers during the cycle of the flap actuation system.