Compression-Molded Supported Gloves for Uniform Grip Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for creating patterns on supported gloves, especially those made from conventional sulphur-vulcanized elastomers, result in non-uniform and wavy patterns due to the use of solvents or the need for negative and positive plates, which are not suitable for supported gloves and do not effectively enhance grip.
Innovation Solution
A method involving compression moulding using an engraved moulding plate to introduce patterns onto the elastomeric fabric gloves in the wet gel state before vulcanization, ensuring a uniform and permanent pattern that enhances grip and aesthetic appeal without requiring solvents or dual plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If solvent-based patterning is used on supported gloves, then pattern can be introduced during production, but the pattern becomes non-uniform and wavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical solvent-based patterning system with a mechanical compression molding system. An engraved plate is pressed against the elastomeric coating in the wet gel state to transfer the pattern mechanically, eliminating the non-uniform results associated with solvent application while maintaining ease of manufacture during the dipping process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the elastomeric coating to the wet gel state, which has sufficient structural integrity to withstand compression molding while remaining pliable enough to accept the pattern. This parameter change enables uniform pattern transfer without the wavy defects that occur with solvent-based methods on supported gloves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If negative and positive plates are used for patterning, then small gripping elements can be created, but the method cannot be applied to supported gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pattern transfer function from the complex negative-positive plate system and implements it using a single engraved plate. The engraved plate contains the positive pattern directly, eliminating the need for separate negative and positive plates while maintaining the ability to create small gripping elements and enabling application to supported gloves.
Solution Approach 2:
The engraved plate serves multiple functions: it creates the pattern, provides the positive relief structure for gripping elements, and can be applied to supported gloves without requiring the complex dual-plate system. This universal tool simplifies the device complexity while expanding adaptability to different glove types.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional embossing is performed on thermoplastic elastomers, then patterns can be introduced, but the material must be heated above softening point to maintain the effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material system from thermoplastic elastomers to conventional sulphur-vulcanized elastomers. The vulcanization process creates permanent cross-links that lock in the pattern without requiring continuous heating above a softening point. The pattern is established in the wet gel state before vulcanization, and the subsequent curing process permanently sets the pattern at lower temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of the elastomer from wet gel state to vulcanized state. The pattern is imprinted in the wet gel state when the material is pliable, and then vulcanization transforms the material into a permanently set state that retains the pattern without requiring ongoing thermal maintenance.
4Manufacturing precision
If patterns are introduced using solvent or solvent mixture, then pattern can be formed on the glove, but the pattern intensity varies along the patterned area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the solvent-based patterning mechanism with mechanical compression molding. The engraved plate physically transfers the pattern through contact pressure, ensuring uniform pattern intensity across the entire patterned area without the variability inherent in solvent application methods. This eliminates the need for solvent quantity control while achieving consistent results.
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
This method provides a uniform, permanent pattern that enhances the grip and flexibility of gloves, allowing for various designs including logos, while eliminating the need for negative and positive plates, and reducing energy consumption by removing entrapped water during the curing process.
Implementation Method 1
The present process applies to conventional latex elastomers... in which the strength is achieved by a vulcanising process... The glove is then removed from a dipping former and dressed on to a flat former. The surface of the glove is then subjected to compression force by a hydraulic machine to leave a desired imprint on the elastomeric surface
Implementation Method 2
conventional sulphur vulcanised formulations... consisting of a permanent pattern impression made by a non chemical process on the palm and fingers
Implementation Method 3
The surface of the glove is then subjected to compression force by a hydraulic machine to leave a desired imprint on the elastomeric surface
Implementation Method 4
consisting of a permanent pattern impression made by a non chemical process on the palm and fingers... in which the strength is achieved by a vulcanising process
Data Source
AI summary
A semi cured supported elastomeric glove with enhanced gripping surfaces achieved by the method of transferring of patterns by compression molding, including a plurality of concave indentations of any pattern and molded into the gripping surfaces of the semi cured glove.