Self Sanitizing Door Handle(jamesdysonaward.org)
37 points byrendaw4 days ago |15 comments
ndegruchy4 days ago
An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/
fainpul3 hours ago
And for metal surfaces which are not self-sanitizing by nature, like steel, there are coatings which can be applied to achieve the same effect. This is often used in public transport.
rendaw1 hour ago
One thing that I wondered after reading this, it mentions SARS but then it mentions killing bacteria, but SARS is a virus. Does this have any affects on viruses?
kaffekaka4 hours ago
I thought it would be about that red hot door handle from Home Alone.
cainxinth1 hour ago
Cool idea and cool looking, but just want to point out that surface transmission of infections is several orders of magnitude less common than airborne transmission.
mhb1 hour ago
And easily thwarted by washing your hands.
rendaw1 hour ago
And then grabbing the bathroom door handle.
billynomates1 hour ago
How quickly would this kill bacteria? If 3 people used it in quick succession, it would still transfer bacteria, I imagine?
mahrain7 hours ago
The TiO2 will likely rub off and need regular replenishment. Also, the alternative here, sensor-operated or button-operated automatic doors are already widely used. I wonder who this is meant for?
vimda6 hours ago
This is probably easier to install or retrofit than an automatic door, seeing as it self powers
interludead4 hours ago
Motion sensors and push plates aren't perfect, but they remove the contact vector entirely instead of trying to mitigate it after the fact
ChoGGi2 hours ago
Why not a door you can push open both ways?
madmaniak2 hours ago
Hundreds year old technology used in houses, hospitals and public places - handles made of bronze.
h1fra3 hours ago
Or use copper
RamblingCTO7 hours ago
Sounds like a problem not worth solving? In my wework the handles get wiped down as per the cleanign protocol. Takes what, a second? The costs are marginal.
ungreased06751 hour ago
How often do they get wiped, and how dirty do they get in between? The idea here seems to be keeping them sanitary continuously.
swah3 hours ago
On every usage??
colordrops6 hours ago
What about bathroom doors that are touched constantly?
theandrewbailey2 hours ago
Wash your hands after touching the bathroom door, then lean on the door with your shoulder. If you have to use a door handle to exit the bathroom (the door swings into the bathroom), it means the bathroom is poorly designed, so use the paper towel that you dried your hands off with.
billynomates1 hour ago
I rarely see paper towels in bathrooms these days. 99% of the time it's an electric hand dryer.
rcMgD2BwE72F5 hours ago
ptsneves5 hours ago
I use my elbow. It is the same recommendation as to cough to your elbow. You do not touch with your elbow on yourself or others so it is generally safe.
globular-toast4 hours ago
Unfortunately not always practical due to poorly designed handles and lock mechanisms. I usually "sacrifice" my little finger for this when I have to use my hands, with the theory that I'm much less likely to put that finger in my mouth or eye etc.
bell-cot3 hours ago
My "Plan B" is the paper towel I dried my hands with. Though bathroom layout, missing trash cans, and lack of paper towels occasionally foil that.
metalman3 hours ago
in iffy situations I use my fathers method, which is the systematic prevention of transfer, even if you must touch things or people (doctor,pathologist,forensics) in less than ideal circumstances, hard to describe, easy to demonstrate.
interludead4 hours ago
Where I think this kind of idea tries to make its case is in places where cleaning is infrequent, inconsistent, or happens long after peak use
vimda7 hours ago
I suppose a second every few hours over dozens of doors adds up. And this has the benefit of being continual, so you don't get build up between cleans.

I'm sceptical myself that the tiny generator they have could produce enough energy, and that the coating they have won't be more of a hassle, but the idea is reasonable

therein6 hours ago
How about silver plating?
GrowingSideways6 hours ago
Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.
immibis6 hours ago
Clicked away after 3 popups
nilslindemann4 hours ago
I guess my "I still don't care about cookies" add-on prevents the pop-ups, but one of the other add-ons prevents the video from playing. Or the site is just broken.
4gotunameagain6 hours ago
3D304974203 hours ago
Not sure how quickly the one from the post takes, but according to the Wikipedia article, brass disinfects "within two hours or less". I could see plenty of transmission within one to two hours. Perhaps it is a difference of speed?
actionfromafar2 hours ago
Still, all regular handles, at least in hospitals, should be uncoated brass. Whenever I see chromed plated handles, slightly worn, exposing the brass below, I think "such a missed opportunity". It shouldn't have been plated to begin with.
EdNutting6 hours ago
Came here to find/post this comment :D
voidUpdate6 hours ago
Me too lol
interludead4 hours ago
This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche
flobosg6 hours ago
(2019)
logicallee6 hours ago
What makes you think so? One of the section titles says "Your inspiration" (rather than "Our inspiration"), which sounds like ChatGPT was writing to them. That wasn't around in 2019.
billynomates1 hour ago
I doubt they used ChatGPT, considering the spelling mistakes
sigio6 hours ago
see the url, dysonaward ... so probably the site/judges asking/interviewing the inventor of this product.
blitzar6 hours ago
also:

Awards - Elevator Pitch Competion 2018

Where are they now - Self-Sanitising Door Handle, 2019 Hong Kong James Dyson Award winner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiLPyOKRcJo