Although the pandemic has presented many obstacles, challenges such as social distancing and workforce shortages, they proceed to drive considerable innovations. It will be necessary to find reliable ways to maintain our isolation from others and ways to prevent the spread of microorganisms, specifically the coronavirus that has left us speechless. There were many groundbreaking ideas to help us cope with the virus and get back to our work routines and leisure safely.
The foot-operated door handle that was pioneered by Chanaka Pathum Bandara is one such invention. Mr Chanaka graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ruhuna in 2018 paved the way to reduce the spread of microorganisms taking into consideration the seriousness of the high contagiousness of the virus and its ability to stay on surfaces for longer periods.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 viruses through door handles, he designed the foot-operated door handle along with an opener. With the application of a force on to a pedal, the foot-operated door handle functions to unlock the door by pulling/turning the door handle knob. Its function is enhanced though its fixature to the front and the rear bottom sides of the door. The standard door handle knob and foot-operated metal pedal are linked using a wire. The cable attached to the door knob is pulled downwards when the foot-operated door pedal is pushed, as the standard door handle knob is pulled downwards or caused to rotate, as a result, the door lock is opened. Mr. Chanaka has constructed his invention to suit the various types of door handle knobs available. Thus, this systematic gadget can be used for any type of door. It is very effective in preventing the contamination of viruses and bacteria which one can come into contact using door handles.
Furthermore, Mr Chanaka is currently recovering from an accident he had faced in the year 2014. Being physically challenged as a result of the accident, he intends to pass this message on to young inventors; “if a person with many biological challenges is inventing something new, others too can invent and don’t give in to disappointment. If you fail in your very first few attempts try again and again you can and you will succeed”
So let’s give a thought about it!
Rtr. Sashini Jayakody.
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