Hands-Free Door Opener Apparatus with Rotatable Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door-opening mechanisms pose a risk of spreading pathogens as they are frequently touched by hands, leading to potential disease transmission, and there is a need for a hands-free method to open structures without replacing the existing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a structure-opening apparatus that allows users to open doors using their forearm or elbow, incorporating rotatable rings, gripping elements, and motion sensors, which enable hands-free operation and includes features for disinfection using ultraviolet radiation and air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional doorknobs or door handles are used, then door opening function is achieved, but pathogen transmission risk increases due to frequent hand contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (door opener apparatus) that mediates between the user's hand and the door handle. The user operates the apparatus with their hand, and the apparatus subsequently operates the door handle, creating a barrier that reduces direct contact and pathogen transmission risk while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical interaction between hand and door handle with an automated mechanical system. The apparatus uses motors, gears, and linkages to automatically grasp and manipulate the door handle, substituting the manual mechanical operation with an automated mechanical system that eliminates the need for direct hand contact
2Object-affected harmful factors
If door opening mechanisms are made touchless, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the gripping mechanism, motor assembly, and control components are housed within a compact outer casing. The motor is nested within the housing, and the gripping elements are nested within the motor assembly, creating a space-efficient design that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining touchless functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed with universal components that can handle various door handle types. The gripping mechanism can adapt to different handle shapes and positions, and the motor assembly can accommodate different torque requirements, allowing a single device design to serve multiple functions and reducing the need for specialized components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing door structures are modified for hands-free operation, then pathogen transmission risk decreases, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the door opening system into separate functional modules: the existing door handle remains unchanged, while the automated gripping apparatus is installed as a separate unit. This segmentation allows the original door structure to be preserved and the hands-free functionality to be added as an independent module, simplifying manufacturing and installation
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus is designed to be pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete unit before installation on the door. The motor, gripping mechanism, and control electronics are configured and calibrated in advance, allowing for quick installation by simply mounting the pre-assembled apparatus to the door structure, thereby reducing installation complexity and manufacturing costs
Data Source
AI summary
Opening and closing a door without the use of one's hands is facilitated. For instance, an apparatus can comprise one or two rotatable rings. For a one ring apparatus, the ring can have an opening so that the inner cross section of the opening of the ring can be pushed with a forearm or knee so that the ring will rotate and the person can then pull on the ring with his/her forearm or knee to open the door. In a two-ring apparatus, two adjacent rings, both with openings, can comprise similar push surfaces. When pushed on the pushed surfaces, the rings will rotate and the cross sections of the openings of the rings come into contact with one another, creating a surface against which a forearm or knee can pull on to open the door. A rotation plane converter can turn a doorknob using the apparatus.