Self Sanitizing Door Handle

An interesting take. There is also brass and coppers that self-sanitize, albeit more slowly: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11279221/

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.

I thought it would be about that red hot door handle from Home Alone.

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?

I have copper light switches and other fittings and was interested to learn they have the same useful property.

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?

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.

Why not a door you can push open both ways?

How quickly would this kill bacteria? If 3 people used it in quick succession, it would still transfer bacteria, I imagine?

Or use copper

Hundreds year old technology used in houses, hospitals and public places - handles made of bronze.

Why not just use brass? Seems like a solution in search of a problem.

Or, you know, just use brass:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_tou...

This feels like a thoughtful engineering project and a strong competition entry yet without a clear niche

Clicked away after 3 popups

(2019)