Self Sanitizing Door Handle

(jamesdysonaward.org)

20 points | by rendaw 3 days ago

9 comments

  • ndegruchy 3 days ago
    An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/
  • kaffekaka 19 minutes ago
    I thought it would be about that red hot door handle from Home Alone.
  • RamblingCTO 3 hours ago
    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.
    • colordrops 2 hours ago
      What about bathroom doors that are touched constantly?
      • rcMgD2BwE72F 1 hour ago
        • ptsneves 1 hour ago
          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.
          • globular-toast 47 minutes ago
            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.
    • interludead 45 minutes ago
      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 2 hours ago
      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

  • mahrain 3 hours ago
    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?
    • interludead 41 minutes ago
      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 2 hours ago
      This is probably easier to install or retrofit than an automatic door, seeing as it self powers
  • immibis 2 hours ago
    Clicked away after 3 popups
    • nilslindemann 37 minutes ago
      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.
  • interludead 48 minutes ago
    This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche
  • 4gotunameagain 2 hours ago
  • GrowingSideways 2 hours ago
    Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.
  • flobosg 2 hours ago
    (2019)
    • logicallee 2 hours ago
      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.
      • sigio 2 hours ago
        see the url, dysonaward ... so probably the site/judges asking/interviewing the inventor of this product.