Back Door Handle
Front Door Handle
CAD Design
CAD door handle attached to door

Ergonomic Door Handle Project for Arthritis

Inspiration

The quest to empower individuals with arthritis to lead more independent and less painful lives was the driving force behind our project. We recognized the everyday challenge they faced – simply opening a door – and aimed to redesign this common interaction into a more accessible and ergonomic experience.

What We Learned

Throughout the project, we delved deep into the ergonomics of door handle design, learning about the specific limitations that arthritis imposes on range of motion and strength. We discovered the importance of designing for various arm sizes and strengths and ensuring that the interaction was as intuitive as opening a door should be.

How We Built It

To bring our concept to life, we took a hands-on approach:

Real-World Testing: We brought an actual door into our workspace and built a frame around it to simulate real-world usage conditions.
Prototyping: Using CAD software, we meticulously designed a lever that could be easily engaged with an elbow, avoiding the painful gripping motion.
Iteration: We went through several design iterations, refining the shape and leverage of the handle to ensure ease of use.

Challenges Faced

Door Frame Construction: Setting up a realistic door frame presented its initial set of challenges. Ensuring stability and accuracy of the frame was critical for effective testing.
CAD Design Precision: In the digital design phase, tailoring the lever to fit the natural curvature of the elbow without compromising on strength or functionality required precision and creativity.
Mechanical Integration: Ensuring that the lever mechanism could be reliably integrated into existing door hardware without requiring significant modifications was a complex task.

In conclusion, the project not only taught us about the technicalities of ergonomic design but also provided us with a valuable perspective on the everyday hurdles faced by individuals with arthritis. Our success was measured not just by the completion of a functioning prototype but by the doors it would open, quite literally, for those who would benefit from our work.