Anti-infection elbow doorknobs for toilet

A Japanese airline is testing a new type of doorknobs

It’s a common practice for everyone to avoid touching things as much as possible when we are in a public toilet, especially doors when we enter or exit.

So, a Japanese airline is testing a new type of doorknob for cabin toilets as an anti-infection measure for the coronavirus pandemic. The door can be opened and closed using just an elbow.

All Nippon Airways has put a toilet with the new doorknob for trial in a lounge at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and is asking passengers to try it out.

There are two different components to the locking mechanism, which has been jointly developed with aircraft interior supplier giant, Jamco.

The first involves a sliding lock, which enables the user to lock or unlock the door from the inside.

A second door handle allows the user to then push the door open, so they can let themselves out.

A user can lock or unlock the door from inside by sliding the handle with the elbow. Another handle makes it easier to push open the door using the elbow, instead of turning the lever or doorknob with the hand.

A spokesperson for ANA said its planes were already fitted with sensor-type taps in the lavatories but the airline, therefore decided that it also wanted to make the process of door-opening hands-free.

At first, it explored the option of opening the toilet door by foot, but decided to scrap this due to safety reasons such as turbulence and the passengers might lose their balance.

Aircraft engineering firm Haeco Americas is currently also developing a touch-free way to open a bathroom door by the use of sensors, according to CNBC.

But it’s not just aircraft bathrooms that people are trying to avoid touching.

One mall in the Thai capital, Bangkok, swapped lift buttons for foot pedals to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

ANA plans to receive users’ opinions until the end of this month before deciding whether to introduce it or not.

An industry survey shows more than 70% of respondents are worried about possible infection when they use aircraft seats or toilets.

There is no doubt about it. Japanese could solve a problem common to everyone in the world. Many of you certainly opted for DIY solutions in front of a public toilet door. Maybe using handkerchiefs or toilet paper to open and close the doors, or even feet.

Source NHK World Japan; BBC