Angled Foot Pull with Traction Plate for Hands-Free Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foot actuated door pulls lack ergonomic design, mechanical advantage, and versatility for both manual and automated door opening, especially in retrofitting existing doors and maintaining hands-free access without disengaging the foot actuator.
Innovation Solution
A foot pull design featuring an angled plate with improved traction and a modular structure allowing retrofitting, capable of functioning as both a door pull and stop, with optional sensors and actuators for automated operation, including mechanical, cable, and hydraulic linkages to maintain hands-free access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional foot actuated door pull is used, then hands-free door opening is achieved, but ergonomic design and mechanical advantage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The foot pull incorporates a curved or angled plate surface that conforms to the natural shape of the foot, providing ergonomic engagement. The plate is positioned at an optimal angle to leverage foot pressure efficiently, improving comfort and mechanical advantage without adding complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The foot actuator is designed with movable components that adapt to the dynamic force applied by the user's foot. The linkage mechanism translates foot pressure into effective door opening motion, optimizing the mechanical advantage throughout the range of motion rather than relying on a fixed rigid structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing doors are retrofitted with foot actuators, then hands-free access is added, but the ability to manually actuate the latch must be disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The foot actuator system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be activated by foot pressure for hands-free operation, or disengaged to allow manual operation of the existing latch mechanism. The linkage includes a bypass feature that permits direct manual actuation when the foot actuator is not in use, providing versatility without requiring complete system replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch actuation system is segmented into independent components: the foot actuator linkage and the manual latch mechanism. This segmentation allows the foot actuator to be added as a separate functional module that can be engaged or disengaged independently, preserving the original manual operation capability while adding hands-free functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If friction area or friction pad is varied, then specific use requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristics are localized to specific contact surfaces such as the friction pad or friction area on the foot pull plate. By modifying only these local surfaces through material selection, texture variation, or adjustable friction pads, the system adapts to different usage requirements without redesigning the entire mechanism, maintaining simplicity while providing adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two door pulls are used in tandem, then door stop and latching functionality is provided, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Two foot pull units are combined in a tandem arrangement where one unit serves as the primary door pull and the second unit functions as both a door stop and latching mechanism. The units are positioned to work together, with the second unit engaging the door edge to provide stopping and latching functionality. This merging of functions into a symmetric design reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated components for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances ergonomic engagement, provides a mechanical advantage for efficient door operation, and allows for both manual and automated hands-free access while maintaining the ability to use the door latch manually, supporting retrofitting of existing doors.
Implementation Method 1
a friction pad or friction area on the contact surface to improve traction
Data Source
AI summary
An improved foot pull for hands free opening of a door is described. The design provides a more ergonomic engagement of the user by providing an angled plate to engage their foot the plate further including a region treated to prevent slippage of the users foot off of the plate. A pair of the foot pulls can be used in tandem to provide a door stop and a means to hold a door in the open position against a wall. The design can also include actuators that can release a latch on the door. The actuators include mechanical linkages to the door handle. The actuators can also be electronic with wired or wireless connection to the latch on the door and can further be used to signal and actuate any electronic device such as a light or alarm system. The door pull can also include a mechanical cable or a hydraulic connection to actuate the door latch.