[DeezelF]

Apparently a patent that was filed in November of 2015 and published May 2017 by Ford is for a disinfecting door handle.

It utilizes some sort of disinfectant that activates when an LED shines ultraviolet light on it.

The handle itself includes a “light-producing-assembly with a first light source and a second light source,” says the patent application. Both light sources are configured to emit light of different wavelengths. These light sources could be LEDs, with the disinfecting layer being activated based on light from at least one of the first and second LEDs.

The patent details a disinfecting layer that could be configured “to disinfect or kill bacteria, fungi, viruses and/or pathogens capable of infecting human or animal hosts.” It could also breakdown organic compounds like oils and greases, dirt, grime and other substances typically present on human hands. Basically once the handle is activated, the disinfecting layer releases charged or uncharged hydroxyl radicals that may react with the substances on a human hand.

Ford's Latest Patent Aims to Keep Hands Clean » AutoGuide.com News

Thoughts on this and should it make it to the F-150 Diesel?

 

[Smokin]

As much as this seems very interesting, it seems extremely unnecessary. I personally always have a spray bottle with all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber with me in the vehicle at all times, and I generally clean them once a week anyhow, so I don't think this would be something needed.

It's great to see them innovate something that has been left unchanged for years but it's something that really doesn't matter nor do I think many people will care about. You'd be better equipped by having a travel sized hand sanitzer bottle in the door panel compartment.

 

[DeezelF]

I can see that but I think it would work out nicely, if standard, on the F-150 diesel, especially for people that are using these for work trucks. One other thing I'm wondering is, at some point, this sanitizer thing has to run out doesn't it?

 

[FordFever]

Just use lysol wipes and call it a day. Your door handles are probably cleaner than the average door knob/handle you touch anyways. If it's that much of a concern, maybe you can have them coated in copper-containing metals like brass which are said to have antibacterial properties.

 

[Smokin]

Lol that would be a bit too much work just to get a cleaner door handle, and I really don't care for it that much. I always clean my hands and door handles when they're dirty and I have sanitizer on me. Seems sufficient.

I think that would actually make for some nice interior bling though, copper dipped door handles and trim?

 

[BluePill]

This will be great for vehicles they sell as fleet but as for anything mainly in the hands of regular consumers, it will have little appeal.

Chevy Bolts should have these as they enter the car sharing market and come out under companies like Uber. Being used like that, how clean/dirty certain things are will always be on the minds of commuters.

 

[Smokin]

Never thought about the ride sharing thing. That would be helpful but at the same time, what about the germs that are on the steering wheel? Unless they come out with a disinfecting steering wheel as well, it's kind of useless and moot at that point isn't it?

 

[BluePill]

Never thought about the ride sharing thing. That would be helpful but at the same time, what about the germs that are on the steering wheel? Unless they come out with a disinfecting steering wheel as well, it's kind of useless and moot at that point isn't it?

Not sure how they`ll be able to do that and maintain comfort since when you have wheels that are all vinyl in the areas you grab with padding below it, I just don't see how. Things like that might rely more on etiquette than anything else.

 

[DeezelF]

So essentially translating that and comparing the two.. disinfecting door handles and pointless. With you touching so many other things on a constant, door handles aren't going to help all that much at all.

You're also not going to open the door handle with both hands so one hand gets clean while the other doesn't?

 

[FordFever]

May as well just carry sanitizing wipes around, clean your hands before opening the door with the used towel. This really is a non issue and I can't see Ford putting effort into its development for the F-150.

 

[BluePill]

May as well just carry sanitizing wipes around, clean your hands before opening the door with the used towel. This really is a non issue and I can't see Ford putting effort into its development for the F-150.

Yup and for someone like me that's hands on and does a lot of work on cars, bikes, around the house and so on, I can just store cleaning stuff in the bed so getting in the cabin no dirt is coming in with me.

these special handles will just be for ride sharing i bet.