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Story
Self Sanitizing Door Handle
Cool idea and cool looking, but just want to point out that surface transmission of infections is several orders of magnitude less common than airborne transmission.
An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/
And for metal surfaces which are not self-sanitizing by nature, like steel, there are coatings which can be applied to achieve the same effect. This is often used in public transport.
How quickly would this kill bacteria? If 3 people used it in quick succession, it would still transfer bacteria, I imagine?
I thought it would be about that red hot door handle from Home Alone.
Sounds like a problem not worth solving? In my wework the handles get wiped down as per the cleanign protocol. Takes what, a second? The costs are marginal.
What about bathroom doors that are touched constantly?
Wash your hands after touching the bathroom door, then lean on the door with your shoulder. If you have to use a door handle to exit the bathroom (the door swings into the bathroom), it means the bathroom is poorly designed, so use the paper towel that you dried your hands off with.
I rarely see paper towels in bathrooms these days. 99% of the time it's an electric hand dryer.
Use your foot.

https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/1kb994/t...

I use my elbow. It is the same recommendation as to cough to your elbow. You do not touch with your elbow on yourself or others so it is generally safe.
Unfortunately not always practical due to poorly designed handles and lock mechanisms. I usually "sacrifice" my little finger for this when I have to use my hands, with the theory that I'm much less likely to put that finger in my mouth or eye etc.
My "Plan B" is the paper towel I dried my hands with. Though bathroom layout, missing trash cans, and lack of paper towels occasionally foil that.
in iffy situations I use my fathers method, which is the systematic prevention of transfer, even if you must touch things or people (doctor,pathologist,forensics) in less than ideal circumstances, hard to describe, easy to demonstrate.
  • swah
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On every usage??
Where I think this kind of idea tries to make its case is in places where cleaning is infrequent, inconsistent, or happens long after peak use
  • vimda
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I suppose a second every few hours over dozens of doors adds up. And this has the benefit of being continual, so you don't get build up between cleans.

I'm sceptical myself that the tiny generator they have could produce enough energy, and that the coating they have won't be more of a hassle, but the idea is reasonable

How about silver plating?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass
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Hundreds year old technology used in houses, hospitals and public places - handles made of bronze.
  • ChoGGi
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Why not a door you can push open both ways?
  • h1fra
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Or use copper
The TiO2 will likely rub off and need regular replenishment. Also, the alternative here, sensor-operated or button-operated automatic doors are already widely used. I wonder who this is meant for?
Motion sensors and push plates aren't perfect, but they remove the contact vector entirely instead of trying to mitigate it after the fact
  • vimda
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This is probably easier to install or retrofit than an automatic door, seeing as it self powers
Clicked away after 3 popups
I guess my "I still don't care about cookies" add-on prevents the pop-ups, but one of the other add-ons prevents the video from playing. Or the site is just broken.
Or, you know, just use brass:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_tou...

Not sure how quickly the one from the post takes, but according to the Wikipedia article, brass disinfects "within two hours or less". I could see plenty of transmission within one to two hours. Perhaps it is a difference of speed?
Still, all regular handles, at least in hospitals, should be uncoated brass. Whenever I see chromed plated handles, slightly worn, exposing the brass below, I think "such a missed opportunity". It shouldn't have been plated to begin with.
Came here to find/post this comment :D
Me too lol
Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.
This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche
(2019)
What makes you think so? One of the section titles says "Your inspiration" (rather than "Our inspiration"), which sounds like ChatGPT was writing to them. That wasn't around in 2019.
I doubt they used ChatGPT, considering the spelling mistakes
  • sigio
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see the url, dysonaward ... so probably the site/judges asking/interviewing the inventor of this product.
also:

Awards - Elevator Pitch Competion 2018

Where are they now - Self-Sanitising Door Handle, 2019 Hong Kong James Dyson Award winner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiLPyOKRcJo