Integrated Hands-Free Door Handle With Armrest Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hands-free door handle devices are often flimsy, hard to operate, or require the use of the foot and/or good coordination, making them unsuitable for easy and reliable use.
Innovation Solution
A fully integrated door handle system that allows users to open doors using their arm, compatible with existing handles and easy to use, featuring an ergonomic armrest and a spring mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current hands-free door handle devices are used, then door opening without hand contact is enabled, but the devices become flimsy and hard to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door handle mechanism with an integrated arm rest structure. The arm rest is not a separate add-on but is merged into the handle assembly, providing structural support and stability while maintaining the hands-free operation capability. This integration resolves the contradiction by making the device sturdy through combined structural elements while preserving ease of operation through the ergonomic arm rest design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves multiple functions: it acts as both a door handle and an arm rest. The arm rest portion provides structural stability and support, while the handle mechanism enables door opening. This multi-functionality allows the single device to be both reliable (through the arm rest structure) and easy to operate (through the integrated handle mechanism).
2Ease of operation
If current hands-free door handle devices are used, then door opening without hand contact is enabled, but good coordination and foot use are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional portions: an arm rest portion for receiving the user's arm, a spring mechanism for providing motion, and a handle portion for door operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall operation to a simple arm movement without requiring coordination or foot use, while maintaining hands-free operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing handles are modified for hands-free operation, then compatibility with existing handles is maintained, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a nested structure where the arm rest and spring mechanism are integrated within or attached to the existing door handle assembly. The arm rest nests around or attaches to the handle shaft, and the spring mechanism is contained within the handle assembly. This nesting approach maintains compatibility with existing handles while adding the hands-free functionality, avoiding excessive system complexity by utilizing the existing handle structure as the foundation.
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
Enables users to open doors easily without touching them, providing a sturdy and reliable solution that is compatible with various handle types and easy to clean.
Implementation Method 1
A spring activated shaft is coupled to latch mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes a door latch activator configured to disengage a door latch from a door frame and a door handle coupled to the door latch activator and configured to activate the door latch activator to disengage the door latch from the door frame. The device further includes a movable plunger having a first end coupled to the door latch activator and adapted to activate the door latch activator to disengage the door latch from the door frame, and an arm rest coupled to a second end of the plunger. The second end is opposite the first end, and the arm rest includes a base region adapted to receive a downward force to engage the plunger. When the base region engages the plunger, the plunger causes the door latch activator to disengage the door latch from the door frame. The plunger may be spring-activated.