Semi-automatic retractable handrail utilising opening/closing movement of sliding door supporting elderly people to walk independently: proposed and satisfied design specifications for elderly people

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to install a handrail on sliding doors used in hospitals and nursing facilities to support the elderly and disabled to walk by themselves. Semi-automatic lifting equipment is utilised for the retractable handrail to make sure people in bad health are able to open the door using minimal force. This paper summarises ergonomic considerations to develop the product above. For example, the maximum opening force should be a certain value or less for the elderly and disabled to open the product effortlessly. Additionally, the initial opening force is required to be a certain degree for safe use. When the product is used as a handrail, the handrail is required to be stable and unshakable in opening or closing directions. The results obtained by having the elderly and disabled use the prototype demonstrated that it improves their walking abilities.

Keywords:

• Sliding door
• handrail
• opening force
• elderly
• disabled

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).