A
What it does
The self-cleaning door handle is combining with advanced photocatalytic ( 光 催 化 ) and blacklight technology. A light source activates the door’s handle coating, telling it to start cleaning. It can minimize the risk of infection by contact and improve the cleanliness of a space.
How it works
The working principle of the product is that a thin advanced photocatalytic coating can effectively decompose bacteria ( 细 菌 ) on the surface of a substance. A consistent UV light source—inside a transparent glass door handle—is required to activate the door’s handle coating on the outer surface for disinfection, so a generator is used to provide electricity to light up a UV LED lamp by the motion of an opening and closing door. Then, the door handle can clean by itself.
Design process
We made the first version by using stainless steel. However, it caused the door handle to be heavier. Then, we tried aluminum, which made it light and easy to fix. We also improved the generator output which effectively turned energy from door movement into a light source.
How it is different
Our innovative design is simple, effective, and attractive. It has an elegant smooth shape, and its minimalist appearance stands out in today’s world of inventions. Nowadays, people use chemical cleaning materials to clean up public areas but it harms the human body. Our design can be used for a long time and is effective. It can self-clean after each use. In the door lock and door handle market, it is a unique design because there are no similar products.
Future plans
In the future, we will commercialize the product and hope that it can compete on the market with similar products. We are going to connect with public properties, for example, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals and public restrooms, where the risk of spreading infection is higher.
Awards
In addition to winning the James Dyson Award, it has also received the Gold Award, and in 2016, it was featured in the 44th International Geneva Inventions Exhibition.
1. How does the self-cleaning door handle function?
A. It controls the door movement automatically.
B. It minimizes the risk of infection by less contact.
C. Chemical cleaning materials are used to clean it up.
D. The light source tells the door handle coating to clean itself.
2. Compared with the first version of the product, the present one is ______.
A. safer and cheaper B. cleaner and easier
C. less heavy and more effective D. more attractive and expensive
3. What do we know about the new invention according to the passage?
A. It has been widely used in public areas.
B. It has received recognition for its innovation.
C. It is quite competitive among similar products.
D. It will replace traditional chemical cleaning materials.
