Self-Cleaning Door Handle Cover Using Segmented Locking Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stainless steel door handles do not inhibit the growth of microorganisms, leading to germ contamination and potential infections, especially in high-risk environments, and existing solutions like disinfectant sprays or adhesive patches are either ineffective or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising multiple parts that lock around a door handle, encasing it and coated with self-cleaning material, ensuring that germs are transferred to the device rather than the handle, preventing cross-contamination and providing a secure, easy-to-install, and long-lasting solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive patches of self-cleaning material are stuck onto the door or door handle, then the self-cleaning function is provided, but the patches tend to rip or peel off at the edges and are difficult to apply accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple separate parts (e.g., first part and second part) that can be assembled around the door handle. This segmentation allows for easier and more accurate application compared to a single adhesive patch, as each part can be independently positioned and locked into place without peeling or bubbling issues
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary structure (the multi-part housing) between the self-cleaning material and the door handle. This intermediary provides a secure mounting mechanism that eliminates the peeling and bubbling problems associated with direct adhesive application while maintaining the self-cleaning function
2Reliability
If a separate device for spraying chemical onto the door handle after each use is installed, then bacteria and viruses are killed, but the device requires regular refilling and adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates self-cleaning material that passively kills germs without requiring external intervention. The self-cleaning material is integrated into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate spray devices, refilling operations, and complex installation while maintaining continuous germ-killing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the germ-killing function from complex active systems (spray devices requiring refilling) and implements it through passive self-cleaning material integrated into the housing, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating maintenance requirements
3Strength
If stainless steel is used for door handles, then strength and durability are provided, but the material does not inhibit the growth of microorganisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines stainless steel (for strength and durability) with self-cleaning material (for antimicrobial properties). The self-cleaning material is applied to the portions of the door handle that contact users' hands, creating a composite structure that maintains the mechanical strength of stainless steel while adding germ-inhibiting functionality
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
The device effectively prevents germ transfer by using self-cleaning materials, ensuring a secure and long-lasting solution that can be easily installed without tools, making it suitable for extended use in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of parts is coated, impregnated, or otherwise provided with a self-cleaning material
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a cover for mounting to a door handle (30) comprises two parts (10, 12) configured for mutual locking engagement such that when the parts are brought into mutual locking engagement around a door handle (30) at least a portion of the door handle is substantially enclosed within a cavity (16) formed between the two parts (10, 12). At least a portion of at least one of the parts (10, 12) is coated, impregnated, or otherwise provided with a self-cleaning material. Also described is a push plate device comprising a first plate (72) for fixing to a door; and a second plate (71) configured to releasably attach to said first plate in order to form a composite plate structure (70). The second plate (71) is at least partly coated, impregnated, or otherwise provided with a self-cleaning material so that the composite plate structure (70) presents a self-cleaning external surface.