Sounds like a problem not worth solving? In my wework the handles get wiped down as per the cleanign protocol. Takes what, a second? The costs are marginal.
I use my elbow. It is the same recommendation as to cough to your elbow. You do not touch with your elbow on yourself or others so it is generally safe.
I suppose a second every few hours over dozens of doors adds up. And this has the benefit of being continual, so you don't get build up between cleans.
I'm sceptical myself that the tiny generator they have could produce enough energy, and that the coating they have won't be more of a hassle, but the idea is reasonable
Pure copper would be preferable, but brass is certainly much better than other practical options like steel. But preferably solid brass as brass-coated-steel doesn't work as well.
The TiO2 will likely rub off and need regular replenishment. Also, the alternative here, sensor-operated or button-operated automatic doors are already widely used. I wonder who this is meant for?
What makes you think so? One of the section titles says "Your inspiration" (rather than "Our inspiration"), which sounds like ChatGPT was writing to them. That wasn't around in 2019.
https://old.reddit.com/r/mildlyinteresting/comments/1kb994/t...
I'm sceptical myself that the tiny generator they have could produce enough energy, and that the coating they have won't be more of a hassle, but the idea is reasonable
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7999369/
OTOH, cheap or antique alloys may have lead, so....
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_copper-alloy_tou...
Awards - Elevator Pitch Competion 2018
Where are they now - Self-Sanitising Door Handle, 2019 Hong Kong James Dyson Award winner https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiLPyOKRcJo