Triple-Layer Elastomeric Glove for Chemical Resistance and Tactile Sensitivity

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a disposable elastomeric glove that is affordable, provides enhanced tactile sensitivity, and protection from hazardous materials, while addressing the issues of higher cost, stiffness, and potential allergic reactions associated with existing synthetic rubber gloves.

Innovation Solution

A triple-layer glove design comprising a body-facing layer of accelerator-free elastomeric material, a middle layer of natural rubber latex, and an outer layer of high acrylonitrile nitrile material, with each layer having specific thickness and composition to balance comfort, dexterity, and chemical resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If nitrile rubber gloves are used to provide chemical resistance, then protection from hazardous materials is improved, but cost increases and tactile sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidtactile sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The glove is divided into three distinct layers: an inner layer of natural rubber latex for tactile sensitivity and comfort, a middle layer for structural integrity, and an outer layer of nitrile or nitrile-blend material for chemical resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The glove uses composite material construction with different elastomeric layers, including natural rubber latex and synthetic nitrile or nitrile-blend materials, to combine the advantages of each material while mitigating their individual disadvantages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If nitrile rubber gloves are used to provide chemical resistance, then protection from hazardous materials is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The glove is divided into three distinct layers: an inner layer of natural rubber latex for tactile sensitivity and comfort, a middle layer for structural integrity, and an outer layer of nitrile or nitrile-blend material for chemical resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the nitrile rubber composition by creating blends with other elastomers (such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or natural rubber latex) to adjust properties like elasticity, cost, and chemical resistance. This allows optimization of the balance between performance and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If nitrile rubber gloves are used to provide chemical resistance, then protection from hazardous materials is improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical resistanceVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The glove is divided into three distinct layers: an inner layer of natural rubber latex for tactile sensitivity and comfort, a middle layer for structural integrity, and an outer layer of nitrile or nitrile-blend material for chemical resistance. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the overall performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the nitrile rubber composition by creating blends with other elastomers (such as polybutadiene, polyisoprene, or natural rubber latex) to adjust properties like elasticity, cost, and chemical resistance. This allows optimization of the balance between performance and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 glove offers improved tactile sensitivity, reduced hand fatigue, and enhanced chemical resistance to various hazardous materials, while being latex-safe and cost-effective, meeting stringent safety and performance standards.

Implementation Method 1

dipping a hand-shaped former into a first dip tank containing the third elastomeric material such that a first layer of the third elastomeric material is formed on the hand-shaped former; dipping the hand-shaped former into a second dip tank containing the second elastomeric material such that a second layer of the second elastomeric material is formed over the first layer; and dipping the hand-shaped former into a third dip tank containing the first elastomeric material such that a third layer of the first elastomeric material is formed over the second layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDipping deposition: Deposition (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3998889B1Elastomeric glove and method of fabrication

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 ANSELL LTD

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AI summary

An elastomeric glove includes a body-facing layer of a first elastomeric material, a middle layer of a second elastomeric material, and an outer layer of a third elastomeric material different than at least the second elastomeric material. The third elastomeric material has an acrylonitrile content greater than at least the second elastomeric material.