An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/
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?
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche
Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.
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?
Came here to find/post this comment :D
Me too lol
(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.
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
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.