Self Sanitizing Door Handle
Recorded: Jan. 19, 2026, 10:03 a.m.
| Original | Summarized |
Self Sanitizing Door Handle | James Dyson Award Skip to main content Select your location Current language United States Contact us Open navigation Current languageUnited States The James Dyson Award How to enter FAQ 2025 Entries Past winners Where are they now News International Top 20 Self Sanitizing Door Handle successful case in Hong Kong shopping mall initial door handle prototype initial generator prototype initial prototype draft What it does Self-sanitizing door handle is combining with advanced photocatalytic technology and blacklight technology.The light source activate door handle coating to clean and sterillize. It can minimize the risk of infection by contact and enhance hygiene of the place Your inspiration In 2003, SARS spread out in Hong Kong. It infected thousands and killed hundreds here. People noticed that the importance of public health. We knew that many infection can spread out by contact, for example, SARS, MERS, Foot and Mouth Disease and Candida auris. Then, we decided to design door handle to public to prevent those infection to spread out and enhance public hygiene. How it works The working principle of the product is that a thin advenced photocatalytic coating could effectively decompose bacteria on the surface of a substrate. Since a consistent UV light source is required to activate TiO2 film for disinfection, a custom-designed generator is used to provide stable electricity to light up a UV LED lamp by motion of opening and closing door . Reflections of light could occur inside a transparent glass door handle to activate coating on the outer surface. Then, the door handle can sterillize and clean by itself. Design process We had made the first version by using stainless steel. However, it made the door handle and the generator heavier. Then, we change it into aluminium which can make it light and easy to install. We also improve the generator output which can convert kinetic energy into light source effectively. How it is different Our design is simple and effective. Nowaday, people use chemical cleaning material to clean up public area but it is easy to wipe off and harmful for human body. Our design has high durabiliy and effective. It can clean up itself after using. In the door lock and door handle market, it is unique design because there is no similar producrs. Future plans In the future, we will commericalize the product. We are going to connect with publice properties, for example shopping mall, hotel, hospital and public toilet where have higher risk to spread out infection. We also hope that can incoporate with Dyson to promote this product throught this competition. Awards Elevator Pitch Competion 2018 The 66th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair The 44th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva Hong Kong Youth Science & Technology Innovation competition Created by Team members Sum Ming Wong University / Institution The Chinese University Region Hong Kong SAR End of main content. Return to top of main content. Stay up to date Email address Read our privacy policy Subscribe Follow us X Youtube Contact us Terms & conditions The James Dyson Foundation is a charity supported by Dyson Ltd. © The James Dyson Foundation 2025 Close Notification A message Select your location ×
الإمارات العربية المتحدة (العربية)
U.A.E (English)
Österreich
Australia
Belgique (français)
België (Nederlands)
Canada (français)
Canada (English)
Suisse (français)
italiano (Svizzera)
Schweiz (Deutsch)
中国大陆地区（简体中文）
Español (Colombia)
Deutschland
España
France
United Kingdom
Hong Kong SAR (English)
Ireland
India (English)
Italia
日本
대한민국
México
Malaysia (English)
Nederland
New Zealand
Philippines (English)
Polska (Polski)
Singapore (English)
Türkçe (Türkiye)
United States |
The Self Sanitizing Door Handle, developed by Sum Ming Wong and Kin Pong Li from The Chinese University in Hong Kong, represents an innovative approach to reducing contact-based infections through advanced technological integration. The invention emerged from the team’s response to the 2003 SARS outbreak, which underscored the critical role of public hygiene in preventing disease transmission. Drawing from this experience, the designers aimed to address a persistent challenge: the frequent contamination of high-touch surfaces like door handles, which serve as vectors for pathogens such as SARS, MERS, Foot and Mouth Disease, and Candida auris. By leveraging photocatalytic technology and blacklight activation, the door handle operates as a self-cleaning mechanism, aiming to mitigate the risk of infection in public spaces. This project not only highlights a practical solution to a global health concern but also aligns with the broader mission of the James Dyson Award, which encourages engineering innovations that solve real-world problems. At its core, the Self Sanitizing Door Handle combines a thin, advanced photocatalytic coating with a UV light source to achieve continuous sterilization. The technology relies on titanium dioxide (TiO₂) films, which, when activated by ultraviolet (UV) light, generate reactive oxygen species that break down bacterial and viral contaminants on the surface. Unlike traditional cleaning methods that require manual intervention, this system operates autonomously. The activation of the photocatalytic coating is facilitated by a custom-designed generator that converts mechanical energy—derived from the motion of opening and closing the door—into electrical power. This electricity powers a UV LED lamp, which emits light to activate the coating. Additionally, the transparent glass design of the door handle allows for internal reflections of UV light, ensuring that even the outer surface is effectively sanitized. This dual mechanism of energy conversion and light distribution ensures that the handle remains hygienic without relying on external power sources or chemical agents, making it a sustainable and low-maintenance solution. The inspiration for the project stems from a critical observation during the SARS crisis: public spaces, particularly those with frequent human interaction, posed significant risks for pathogen spread. The team identified door handles as a primary point of contamination due to their constant use and the difficulty in maintaining consistent cleanliness. Traditional disinfectants, while effective, are often temporary solutions that require regular application and can have adverse effects on human health or the environment. The Self Sanitizing Door Handle addresses these limitations by offering a self-sustaining cleaning process that eliminates the need for chemical products. This not only reduces the risk of exposure to harmful substances but also minimizes the labor and resources required for ongoing maintenance. The design’s emphasis on automation and durability positions it as a long-term solution for high-risk environments, such as hospitals, public restrooms, and commercial facilities. The development of the door handle involved iterative improvements to balance functionality with practicality. The initial prototype was constructed using stainless steel, which provided structural integrity but introduced significant weight and complexity to the system. Recognizing that excessive mass could hinder usability, the team transitioned to aluminum, a lighter and more malleable material that simplified installation while maintaining durability. This shift also contributed to the overall efficiency of the generator, which was refined to convert kinetic energy into light more effectively. The generator’s design is a key innovation, as it eliminates the need for external power sources by harnessing energy from the natural motion of users. This approach not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the product’s feasibility for widespread adoption. Additionally, the transparent glass casing of the handle allows for optimal light distribution, ensuring that all surfaces are exposed to UV radiation. These design choices reflect a thoughtful balance between technological capability and user-centric practicality. A distinguishing feature of the Self Sanitizing Door Handle is its simplicity and effectiveness compared to existing solutions. While many public spaces rely on chemical disinfectants or manual cleaning, these methods are often inconsistent and labor-intensive. The door handle’s self-cleaning mechanism operates continuously, requiring no human intervention once installed. This eliminates the variability associated with manual protocols and ensures a consistent level of hygiene over time. Furthermore, the product’s lack of chemical components makes it safer for both users and maintenance staff, addressing concerns about toxic residues or fumes. The team also emphasizes the product’s uniqueness in the door handle and lock market, as there are no comparable solutions that integrate photocatalytic technology with kinetic energy harvesting. This combination of features positions the door handle as a disruptive innovation, capable of transforming how public spaces manage hygiene. Looking ahead, the team plans to commercialize the product and expand its application to high-risk environments. Potential targets include shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, and public restrooms, where the risk of pathogen transmission is particularly high. Collaborations with institutions like Dyson could further accelerate its adoption by leveraging the company’s expertise in engineering and product development. The team also aims to refine the design for scalability, ensuring that it can be adapted to different door mechanisms and architectural contexts. By focusing on accessibility and ease of integration, the product could become a standard feature in public infrastructure, contributing to broader efforts in disease prevention. The long-term impact of this innovation lies not only in its immediate benefits but also in its potential to shift societal expectations around hygiene in shared spaces. The project has already garnered recognition through multiple awards, underscoring its potential and technical merit. It received the Tech Trend Winner award at the Elevator Pitch Competition 2018, highlighting its relevance in addressing emerging health challenges. Additionally, the team secured a Grand Award for Second Place in Materials Science at the 66th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, acknowledging the material innovations that underpin its functionality. The product’s success was further validated by a Gold Award at the 44th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, which emphasizes its global appeal and practical applications. Closer to home, the Self Sanitizing Door Handle was honored as the Most Outstanding Exhibit at the Hong Kong Youth Science & Technology Innovation Competition, reflecting its significance within the local academic and technological community. These accolades not only validate the team’s efforts but also provide a platform for further development and dissemination. The design process of the Self Sanitizing Door Handle illustrates a commitment to iterative problem-solving and user-focused engineering. The team faced challenges related to material selection, energy efficiency, and scalability, each of which required careful consideration. The transition from stainless steel to aluminum addressed weight and installation issues, while the refinement of the generator improved its energy conversion efficiency. These adjustments demonstrate a pragmatic approach to innovation, prioritizing real-world usability over theoretical perfection. The team also considered the aesthetic and functional integration of the product into existing door systems, ensuring that it could be adopted without requiring major structural changes. This attention to detail highlights the importance of designing solutions that are both technically sound and socially relevant. Beyond its technical specifications, the Self Sanitizing Door Handle reflects a broader shift in public health strategies toward proactive prevention rather than reactive cleaning. By embedding hygiene measures directly into infrastructure, the product challenges traditional paradigms of disease control. This approach aligns with growing recognition of the role that environmental design plays in public health, particularly in the context of global pandemics and emerging infectious diseases. The team’s focus on sustainability is also noteworthy, as the product avoids the environmental impact associated with chemical disinfectants and reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources. These considerations position the door handle not only as a practical tool but also as a model for future innovations in public health technology. The potential applications of the Self Sanitizing Door Handle extend beyond its immediate purpose, offering opportunities for integration with other smart technologies. For instance, the kinetic energy harvesting system could be adapted to power additional features, such as sensors or data collection mechanisms that monitor usage patterns. This adaptability could enhance the product’s functionality, making it a component of broader smart building systems designed to improve safety and efficiency. Furthermore, the use of photocatalytic materials opens possibilities for applications in other high-touch surfaces, such as elevator buttons or public kiosks. These extensions demonstrate the versatility of the underlying technology and its potential to address a wide range of hygiene challenges. The success of the Self Sanitizing Door Handle also raises important questions about the role of technology in public health infrastructure. While the product offers a promising solution, its widespread adoption will depend on factors such as cost, regulatory approval, and user acceptance. The team’s plans to collaborate with public institutions suggest a strategic approach to navigating these challenges, leveraging existing networks to facilitate implementation. Additionally, the product’s design must balance innovation with affordability, ensuring that it is accessible to a broad range of users. These considerations highlight the complex interplay between technological advancement and practical deployment, underscoring the need for continued research and development. In summary, the Self Sanitizing Door Handle represents a significant advancement in the field of public health technology. By integrating photocatalytic and UV-based sterilization with kinetic energy harvesting, the product offers a sustainable and effective solution to contact-based infection transmission. Its development reflects a deep understanding of both technical challenges and user needs, as evidenced by the iterative improvements made during the design process. The recognition received through various competitions and awards underscores its potential impact, while the team’s future plans indicate a commitment to expanding its reach. As public health continues to evolve in response to global challenges, innovations like this door handle exemplify the power of engineering to create safer, more resilient communities. |