Door Nub Leverage Attachment for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for assisting individuals with mobility impairments in opening and closing doors and windows are expensive and impractical for widespread implementation in public spaces, necessitating a more affordable and accessible solution.
Innovation Solution
A device called the 'Door Nub' is designed to attach to doors and windows, featuring a flat surface, a diagonal surface connecting a concave surface, and a solid body, providing leverage for easy opening and closing, which can be mounted using adhesives or screws, and is adaptable to various door and window types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated door systems with motors and control apparatus are used, then accessibility for disabled persons is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of assisting door closing from complex automated systems, isolating only the necessary mechanical component (the nub) that provides leverage assistance, eliminating motors, sensors, and control systems while maintaining the core accessibility benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive automated door systems with a simple, inexpensive mechanical nub that can be easily manufactured and installed, sacrificing the intelligence and automation of expensive systems for the benefit of widespread, affordable deployment
2Ease of operation
If automated door systems with motors are installed, then door opening and closing is automated, but installation cost and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nub device is self-installing through adhesive application without requiring electrical wiring, motor installation, or complex assembly, allowing disabled persons or installers to easily mount it themselves without professional assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes all power-dependent components (motors, batteries, control circuits) from the system, retaining only the passive mechanical nub that provides leverage assistance through its geometry alone, eliminating installation costs associated with electrical systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional door handles are used, then door structure remains simple, but accessibility for persons with limited arm strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nub only at the specific location where leverage is needed (near the hinge), leaving the rest of the door structure conventional and unchanged, providing localized accessibility improvement without redesigning the entire door
Solution Approach 2:
The nub features a curved, ergonomic surface that conforms to hand shapes and provides mechanical advantage through its geometry, transforming the flat, linear interaction of conventional handles into a curved, leverage-based interaction that assists persons with limited strength
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for attaching to a door or window, comprising: a flat surface configured to attach to a door or window; an adhesive applied to the flat surface; a diagonal surface; a concave surface connecting the diagonal surface and the flat surface; and a solid body positioned between the flat surface, the diagonal surface, and the concave surface. The device may alternatively have one or more screw holes spanning the thickness of the device.