Self-Cleaning Germicidal Door Handle

As previously mentioned, doorknobs, levers, and handles are commonly manufactured using plastic or stainless-steel materials. Since bacteria and viruses can survive for extended periods of time on such materials, these objects can facilitate the transmission of pathogens between users. Furthermore, it is burdensome and costly for organizations to implement cleaning protocols where door handles are cleaned continuously. To address this issue, UV sterilization systems have been used for door handles. However, such systems often require bulky mounting equipment, possess sub-optimal aesthetics, and are high price point products leaving significant room for improvement. To overcome the limitations of using cleaning agents, sprays, or bulky high-cost sterilizing systems, NASA developed an Ultraviolet Germicidal Door Handle. This invention largely resembles a conventional doorhandle; however, it contains a compact, far UV-C LED light device that attaches to the handle via mounting threads and disinfects surfaces (i.e., kills or inactivates pathogens). The device is controlled by a sensor that activates the UV-C light for a specified time to disinfect the surface after each use. After disinfection is completed, a timer sequence switches the light off and prepares for the next use. Due to the simple, thread-based mounting system, the UV-C LED is easily removable from the door handle. The UV-C LED has several convenient features including a USB charging port, I/O switch, and low battery indicator light. The Ultraviolet Germicidal Door Handle greatly minimizes the risk of harmful pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2, being transmitted between people using the same door. Various versions of the Ultraviolet Germicidal Door Handle could be marketed to accommodate different designs of door handles and levers.