Surgical Gloves with Embedded Systems via Magnetic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing surgical gloves with integrated surgical support systems are not cost-effective and can compromise the glove's material integrity and regulatory compliance, as they require post-formation adaptation which is inefficient and may damage the barrier properties.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a former with magnetic positioning systems to embed surgical instruments and switches within the glove during the polymer coating process, allowing for the integration of functional components like electrocautery, suction, and irrigation systems without post-formation processes, ensuring consistent and reliable production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional glove manufacturing techniques are used, then high volume production can be achieved, but the gloves cannot have integral surgical support systems embedded
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical support systems and discrete elements are positioned on the former before the polymer coating is applied. This preliminary positioning allows the components to be embedded during the normal glove formation process, eliminating the need for post-formation adaptation while maintaining high volume production capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical support systems and discrete elements are nested within the polymer coating as it is being applied. The components are placed on the former and then encapsulated by the coating process, integrating them into the glove structure during formation rather than as a separate post-processing step
2Adaptability or versatility
If post-formation processes are used to add surgical support systems, then the systems can be added to gloves, but the glove's barrier properties and material integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the surgical support systems on the former before coating application, the components are integrated during the normal manufacturing process. This eliminates the need for post-formation processes that would require cutting, stitching, or bonding operations that could compromise the glove's barrier properties and material integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The process of adding surgical support systems is merged with the normal glove formation process. The positioning and embedding of components occurs simultaneously with polymer coating application, ensuring the glove maintains its complete barrier properties without separate adaptation steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If post-formation adaptation is used to include surgical support systems, then the systems can be integrated, but the process is not cost-effective
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning the surgical support systems on the former before coating application allows them to be included during the normal high-volume production process. This eliminates separate post-formation adaptation steps, reducing labor costs and maintaining production efficiency, making the process cost-effective
4Adaptability or versatility
If surgical support systems are attached to gloves after formation, then the systems can be added, but the regulatory standards may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the surgical support systems on the former before the glove is formed, the components are integrated during the manufacturing process under controlled conditions. This ensures the final product meets regulatory standards for sterile barriers and material integrity, as the components are embedded rather than attached post-formation
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 enables the consistent and cost-effective manufacturing of surgical gloves with embedded surgical systems, maintaining the glove's integrity and regulatory compliance by integrating components during the coating process, enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The former can include a magnetic positioning system for coupling the functional component to the former
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a glove that includes discrete elements and component systems, such as, but not limited to, lights, electrical cautery, suction, and irrigation, attached to the surgical glove. The gloves produced by this method can be used as surgical gloves or for other industrial applications. In a particular application, the method includes providing a former comprising a hand-shaped portion and a first surgical system comprising a first surgical instrument, and a first switch for controlling the first surgical system. The former includes a first depression for receiving the first surgical system. The first depression is adapted to produce an interference fit with at least a portion of the first surgical system. The first surgical system can be loaded into the first depression and a polymer coating can be applied over the loaded former to form a surgical glove.