An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/" rel="nofollow">https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/</a>
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.
If we're talking sanitation tech: I'm personally really excited by the further miniaturization of (far)-UVC light sources [1]. Far-UVC lamps deactivate airborne pathogens, but cannot penetrate the human eyes or skin making them generally safe to use.<p>Right now they do require rather bulky lamps (Krypton Chloride), but last I checked there had been promising advancements in producing far-UVC LEDs [2]. Which should make installation and deployment of far-UVC both more practical and economical in the future.<p>[1]: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-UVC" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-UVC</a><p>[2]: <a href="https://ece.engin.umich.edu/stories/ece-spinout-company-ns-nanotech-releases-first-solid-state-semiconductor-to-produce-human-safe-disinfecting-uv-light" rel="nofollow">https://ece.engin.umich.edu/stories/ece-spinout-company-ns-n...</a>
And easily thwarted by washing your hands.
I thought it would be about that red hot door handle from Home Alone.
Hundreds year old technology used in houses, hospitals and public places - handles made of bronze.
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?
This is probably easier to install or retrofit than an automatic door, seeing as it self powers
Motion sensors and push plates aren't perfect, but they remove the contact vector entirely instead of trying to mitigate it after the fact
One thing that I wondered after reading this, it mentions SARS but then it mentions killing bacteria, but SARS is a virus. Does this have any affects on viruses?
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.
How often do they get wiped, and how dirty do they get in between? The idea here seems to be keeping them sanitary continuously.
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.
Use your foot.<p><a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/1kb994/this_bathroom_door_has_a_foot_handle_so_you_dont/" rel="nofollow">https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/1kb994/t...</a>
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
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.<p>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
On every usage??
Why not a door you can push open both ways?
Or, you know, just use brass:<p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_touch_surfaces" rel="nofollow">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_tou...</a>
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
Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.
Aside, it’s obnoxious how many bathroom doors in public places like restaurants require you to pull the door handle to leave.<p>It should be pull to enter, push to leave so that you aren’t fouling your washed hands on the poopy door handle.<p>Even dumber is when they have those foot operated handles to exit. Why is it push to enter, pull to exit at all?
How quickly would this kill bacteria? If 3 people used it in quick succession, it would still transfer bacteria, I imagine?
Many public buildings and elevators in Hong Kong installed wireless controls, simply wave your hand in front of a little hole (ultrasonic sensor?) next to the floor button you want to go to. Curious to find out in which mall they installed this in!
Or use copper
I have copper light switches and other fittings and was interested to learn they have the same useful property.
I was expecting it to just dispense hand sanitiser gel straight onto the handle.<p>I suppose this is a more practical take.
This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche
(2019)
Clicked away after 3 popups