X-Shaped Finger Joint Reinforcement for Glove Dexterity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional glove reinforcement methods restrict finger movement, fail to resist internal pressure, and lack durability and grip, leading to reduced manual dexterity and rapid user exhaustion.

Innovation Solution

Affixing X-shaped reinforcement patterns on both sides of interphalangeal joints, centered over the axis of rotation, to form palmar and dorsal X-shaped patterns, allowing for free movement while enhancing strength, wear resistance, and grip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional reinforcement methods are used to strengthen the glove, then the glove gains strength and wear resistance, but the finger movement is restricted and bending is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveglove strengthVSAvoidfinger movement freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcement is divided into multiple segments: dorsal reinforcement on the back of the finger, palmar reinforcement on the palm side, and lateral reinforcements on the sides. Each segment is positioned to provide strength without interfering with the joint's bending motion, allowing the glove to be strong while maintaining full finger articulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Reinforcements are strategically positioned only where needed - on the dorsal and palmar surfaces and lateral sides of the finger - rather than covering the entire finger. This localized reinforcement provides strength and wear resistance at critical areas while leaving the joint areas free to move without restriction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Stress or pressure

If traditional reinforcement methods are used to resist internal pressure, then the glove maintains pressure, but the interphalangeal joints cannot move freely leading to rapid user exhaustion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal pressure resistanceVSAvoidinterphalangeal joint movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure-resisting reinforcement is segmented into dorsal and palmar components that work together to maintain internal pressure while allowing the interphalangeal joint to bend freely. The lateral reinforcements provide additional support without constraining joint motion, enabling sustained wear without exhaustion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional reinforcement methods are used to improve grip, then the glove provides some grip enhancement, but the glove becomes awkwardly shaped reducing manual dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip qualityVSAvoidmanual dexterity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Grip-enhancing reinforcements are applied locally on the dorsal and palmar surfaces of the finger rather than uniformly across the entire glove. This localized approach improves grip in critical areas while maintaining the natural shape and flexibility of the finger, preserving manual dexterity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8549663B2Glove reinforcement method

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 FLAGSUIT LLC

AI summary

A glove having one or more reinforcements affixed thereon that reduce restriction of movement of fingers of a user. The reinforcements cross to form at least one X-shaped pattern when projected on a plane of motion of an interphalangeal joint of the fingers. The one or more reinforcements are located substantially on one or both sides of the interphalangeal joint of the fingers. The X-shaped pattern is substantially centered over an axis of rotation of the interphalangeal joint.