Hands-Free Entry

Hands-Free Entry - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) community

About this project

COVID-19 can remain on surfaces for 1-21 hours. The Materialise 3D printed hands-free door opener removes the need for direct contact with door handles by making it possible to open and close doors using your arm. The design can be attached to existing door handles without drilling holes or replacing the original handle. The opener comes in eight different models to accommodate various types of doors and handles. You can view all available models for download in the infographic below.

The challenge

Materialise wanted to create a simple product for people to open doors without infecting ones hands that would be quick to print, easy to assemble and able to be manufactured in large amounts.

Who it helps

Door handles are among the most germ-infested objects in homes, healthcare facilities, factories and senior care centers. Careful analyses on how viruses spread by Materialise risk prevention advisors showed that by using our covered arms instead of our bare hands, we can work together to avoid further passing on COVID-19.

How it works

Developer History

The Materialise 3D printed hands-free door opener removes the need for direct contact with door handles by making it possible to open and close doors using your arm. This can help to reduce the spread of SARS-COV-2, which can remain on non-disinfected surfaces can remain on surfaces and infect humans between 4 to 96 hours depending on the material a ccording to the New England Journal of Medicine . The virus is more stable on plastic (72 hours) and stainless steel (72 hours) than on copper (4 hours) and cardboard. Note that the door opener is not a replacement for hand-washing or cleaning surfaces.

The opener can be attached to existing door handles without drilling holes or replacing the original handle. The design comes in eight different models to accommodate various types of doors and handles. You can view all available models for download in the infographic below. If you do not have access to a 3D printer, makerspace or local manufacturing facility, all eight models of the door opener can be ordered online at i.materialise . The price for a set of two hands-free door openers, including screws, is 40 euros.

The design originated from Materialise 's own internal efforts to protect company employees and visitors during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and was made free shortly after realizing potential benefits for the wider population during an outbreak. Materialise is one of the largest additive manufacturing or 3D Printing companies. The company is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium. The press release for the door handles can be found here .

Printing

Print time is a few hours. Materialise recommends:

Printing parts on their side t o maximize part strength and minimize needed support.

Printing parts according to the orientation shown in the image below to increase printing effectiveness and efficiency.

Mounting

Materialise recommends:

Placing an elastic band between the handle and plastic to prevent rotation of the opener. If you order the parts from i.materialise , small rubber sheets are included.

Tightening screws enough to ensure the opener remains in place.

Adjusting longer screws to fit your door handles.

Watching the video below for tips and tricks when mounting.

Specs for Available Models

The Materialise hands-free door handles come in eight different models.

Project details

The build files for Hands-Free Entry are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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