DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of invention:
DOOR HANDLE WITH STERILIZATION DEVICE

Applicant:
Tata Motors Limited
A company Incorporated in India under the Companies Act, 1956
Having address:
Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street,
Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400001,
Maharashtra, India

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[001] The present application claims priority from Indian provisional patent application no. 202221019377, filed on March 31, 2022. The entire contents of the aforementioned application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION
[002] The present invention relates to a door handle with a sterilization device, and more specifically, related to the door handle configured with sterilization device to sterilize the hand of a user.

BACKGROUND
[003] In the present scenario of pandemics, for example, SARS, COVID, hygiene is pivotal, be it at home, at the office, or during travel. Hygiene during travel is critical as the number of variables that can impact one’s hygiene are not deterministic and are uncontrollable. Vehicle door handles are the only customer touchpoint for a vehicle’s user. Handles are vulnerable to external contamination. Their contamination then can further be transferred to the user while operating the door handles.
[004] Microbes are a serious threat to an individual’s hygiene. In the whole user-car system, door handles play a critical role in defining hygiene. The door handles are vulnerable to external contamination and their contamination then can further be transferred to the user while operating the door handles.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[005] Main object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to avoid/prevent external contamination of the door handles.
[006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to reduce the risk of transferring contamination to the user while operating the door handle.
[007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to sterilize the contact surface and near vicinity.
[008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to decrease the overall microbes loading on the user’s hand by improving sanitation.
[009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to sterilize by using Far-UV rays which is not injurious to human skin.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to cause physical destruction of viral, bacterial, and fungal cells within seconds by using Far-UV rays.
[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to alert the user to identify whether the irradiation cycle is complete or not.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to automatically initiate the sterilization cycle upon detection of user hand in the vicinity.
[0013] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to be used for a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle or any other type of grab handle.
[0014] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device to provide a contactless sterilization device.
[0015] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a door handle with sterilization device which is simple, cost effective and easy to implement.
SUMMARY
[0016] Before the present system is described, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular machine, device or system, as there can be multiple possible embodiments that are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present application. This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a door handle with sterilization device, and the aspects are further elaborated below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the proposed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the proposed subject matter.
[0017] The present subject matter discloses a door handle with sterilization device. A door grab handle configured with a movable portion and an idle portion. A proximity sensor configured to be mounted on the door grab handle. Atleast one sterilization device configured to be integrated with the door grab handle. A timer sensor configured to be mounted on the door grab handle. The timer sensor and the proximity sensor configured to be operatively connected with atleast one sterilization device.
[0018] In another embodiment, a method for sterilization with a door handle sterilization device is disclosed. At step (I), unlocking the vehicle door by the user through remote door unlocking mechanism when the user approaches the door grab handle for opening the door. At step (II), activating a proximity sensor. At step (III), activating a timer sensor by an ECU for a predefined time. At step (IV), activating atleast one sterilization device after a predefined time delay and simultaneously switching on the audio means to generate a beep-initiation to intimate that the sterilization device is switched ON. At step (V), maintaining the ON stage of the sterilization device to sterilize the contact surface and near vicinity for completing the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity, the predefined time is based on the energy of sterilization device and surface area, and the defined vicinity is regulated by the proximity sensor. At step (VI), generating atleast one beep indication by the audio means for indicating completion of the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity. At Step (VII), post first cycle completion, if the hand or object is sensed by the proximity sensor at a predefined distance step (V) is initiated again.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0019] The present subject matter discloses, a door handle with sterilization device. A door grab handle configured with a movable portion and an idle portion. A proximity sensor configured to be mounted on the door grab handle. Atleast one sterilization device configured to be integrated with the door grab handle. A timer sensor configured to be mounted on the door grab handle. The timer sensor and the proximity sensor configured to be operatively connected with atleast one sterilization device.
[0020] In an embodiment, atleast one sterilization device is configured to be powered by a power source. The power source is configured from one of a battery, a body control module (BCM), a vehicle’s central energy source and etc.
[0021] In an embodiment, alteast one sterilization device is configured to be a Ultra-Violet (UV) irradiation device. The Ultra-Violet (UV) irradiation device emits a Far-UV rays.
[0022] In an embodiment, an audio means is configured to be installed on the door grab handle for alerting the user. Further, the audio means is configured to be operatively connected with atleast one sterilization device.
[0023] In an embodiment, a power source is configured to provide power to the timer sensor and the audio means.
[0024] In an embodiment, the movable portion of the door grab handle is made from a predefined polymer, wherein the predefined polymer comprises a transparent or translucent type polymer material.
[0025] In an embodiment, the movable portion and the idle portion of the door grab handle is configured to be mounted on the door panel.
[0026] In an embodiment, a method for sterilization with a door handle sterilization device is disclosed. At step (I), unlocking the vehicle door by the user through remote door unlocking mechanism when the user approaches the door grab handle for opening the door. At step (II), activating a proximity sensor. At step (III), activating a timer sensor by an ECU for a predefined time. At step (IV), activating atleast one sterilization device after a predefined time delay and simultaneously switching on the audio means to generate a beep-initiation to intimate that the sterilization device is switched ON. At step (V), maintaining the ON stage of the sterilization device to sterilize the contact surface and near vicinity for completing the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity, the predefined time is based on the energy of sterilization device and surface area, and the defined vicinity is regulated by the proximity sensor. At step (VI), generating atleast one beep indication by the audio means for indicating completion of the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity. At Step (VII), post first cycle completion, if the hand or object is sensed by the proximity sensor at a predefined distance step (V) is initiated again.
[0027] In an embodiment, the predefined distance of the proximity sensor is configured to be in the range of 5cm to 30cm.
[0028] In an embodiment, the predefined delay of the timer sensor is configured to vary in the range of 1s to 5s delay.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0029] The features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, and accompanying figures. The use of the same reference number in different figures indicates similar or identical features and components.
[0030] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to a first embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a cross- sectional view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0033] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the door panel configured with a sterilization device, according to a first embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0035] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the second embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the second embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0037] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the second embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0038] Figure 9 illustrates a top view of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the second embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0039] Figure 10 illustrates a front view of the door panel configured with a sterilization device, according to the second embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0040] Figure 11 illustrates a flowchart of the door handle configured with a sterilization device, according to the first and the second embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0041] The present subject matter relates to a door handle with a sterilization device.
[0042] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein can be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0043] Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.
[0044] Referring now to the drawings, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. Further, for the sake of simplicity, and without limitation, the same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings.
[0045] Referring to Figure 1, figure 2, figure 3, figure 4 and figure 5illustrates a door handle configured with a sterilization device (100), according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The door handle may be of a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle. The present subject matter discloses a door grab handle (102). The door grab handle (102) may include a movable portion (106) and an idle portion (112) of the door handle (102), mounted on an door panel (101), and connected to a latching mechanism (111) via a link (105) for door opening, the door handle (102) may configure with atleast one sterilization device (103), for example, an Ultra-Violet (UV) irradiation device. The sterilization device (103) is integrated inside the movable portion (106) of door grab handle (102). The door grab handle (102) comprises a proximity sensor (104), an audio means (107), and a timer sensor (110). The proximity sensor (104) is mounted on the movable portion (10) of the door grab handle (102). The audio means (107) generates a beep-indication for alerting the user. The audio means (107) is installed on the idle portion (112) of the door grab handle (102). The timer sensor (110) is mounted on the door grab handle (102). The timer sensor (110), the audio means (107) and the proximity sensor (104) are connected with alteast one sterilization device (103).
[0046] In another embodiment, now referring to Figure 6, figure 7, figure 8, figure 9 and figure 10 illustrate a door handle configured with a sterilization device (200), according to a second embodiment of the present subject matter. The door handle may be of a vehicle. The vehicle may be, for example, a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle.
[0047] The present subject matter discloses a door grab handle (201). The door grab handle (201) may include a movable portion (214) and an idle portion (216) of the door grab handle (201), mounted on a door panel (206). The door grab handle (201) may be mounted in a housing assembly (207). The door handle comprises a link (205) connected to the latching mechanism (209) for door opening. The housing (207), may be mounted on the door’s outer skin panel (206). The door handle (201) may be mounted on the recess topology integrated in the design of the housing assembly (207). Two UV irradiation devices (203, 204) may be integrated for sterilization via irradiation. The UV irradiation devices (203, 204) may be connected to a source of energy (210) like a battery or connected to the vehicle’s central energy source. The door grab handle (201) comprises a proximity sensor (202), an audio means (213), and a timer sensor (211). The proximity sensor (202) is mounted on the top part of the movable portion (214) of the door grab handle (201). The audio means (213) generates a beep-indication for alerting the user. The audio means (213) is installed on the on the housing behind the of the door grab handle (201). The timer sensor (211) is mounted on the door grab handle (201). The timer sensor (211), the audio means (213) and the proximity sensor (202) are connected with alteast one sterilization device (203, 204).
[0048] The predefined polymer material used in the movable portion (106,214) of the door grab handle (102,201) may be of transparent or translucent type, to enable transmittance of the UV-rays. The sterilization device (103,203,204) may include a UV-irradiation device that may sterilize the contact surface and near vicinity. This may decrease the overall microbes loading on the user’s hand which may improve sanitation. The UV radiation used herein are rays that kill the microbes but at the same time are not injurious to human skin like Far-UV rays. Far-UV light has a shorter wavelength and higher photon energy than UV-C, making its effect on microorganisms different from UV disinfection lamps that are most commonly used. Far-UV light may be able to cause physical destruction of viral, bacterial, and fungal cells in a matter of seconds, much faster than UV-C lamps. Further, Far-UV light may be safe for use when people are present, which is not true of UV-C lamps. The sterilization device (103,203, 204) coupled with a battery (108,210) as a source of energy like a battery, a body control module (BCM), a vehicle’s central energy source or any other power source.
[0049] In the second embodiment, the sterilization device (203, 204) such as UV Irradiation device may be integrated into a housing-encapsulating the door grab handle (201).
[0050] Now referring to figure 11, a method (300) for sterilization with a door handle sterilization device (100, 200) is disclosed. At step (I), unlocking the vehicle door by the user through remote door unlocking mechanism when the user approaches the door grab handle (102,201) for opening the door as shown in step (302). At step (II), the proximity sensor (104,202) is activated as shown in step (304). At step (III), a timer sensor (110,211) is activated by an ECU (109,212) for a predefined time as shown in step (306). At step (IV), Atleast one sterilization device (103,203,204) is activated after a predefined time delay and simultaneously switching on the audio means (107,213) to generate a beep-initiation to intimate that the sterilization device (103,203,204) is switched ON as shown in step (308). At step (V), the ON stage of the sterilization device (103,203,204) is maintained to sterilize the contact surface and near vicinity for completing the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity and the predefined time is based on the energy of sterilization device (103,203,204) and surface area, and the defined vicinity is regulated by the proximity sensor (104, 202) as shown in step (310). At step (VI), atleast one beep indication by the audio means (107,213) is generated for indicating completion of the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity as shown in step (312). At Step (VII), if the hand or object is sensed by the proximity sensor (104,202) after completion of the first irradiation/ sterilization cycle, the irradiation process is initiated again. If no, then the irradiation process is stopped as shown in step (314).
[0051] The predefined distance of the proximity sensor (104, 202) is in the range of 5cm to 30cm. The predefined delay of the timer sensor (110,211) varies in the range of 1s to 5s delay. The UV irradiation devices (203,204) may be mounted inside the housing assembly and may be operated in the same manner as disclosed in the first embodiment of the present subject matter. The functioning and mechanism may be similar to the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0052] The door handle of the present subject matter may be structured in a way as mentioned aforesaid in a first embodiment and a second embodiment configured to accommodate the sterilization device.
[0053] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such modifications and adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:1. A door handle with sterilization device (100, 200) comprising:
a door grab handle (102, 201) configured with a movable portion (106, 214) and an idle portion (112,216);
a proximity sensor (104, 202) configured to be mounted on the door grab handle (102, 201);
atleast one sterilization device (103, 203, 204) configured to be integrated with the door grab handle (102, 201); and
a timer sensor (110,211) configured to be mounted on the door grab handle (102, 201), wherein the timer sensor (110,211) and the proximity sensor (104, 202) configured to be operatively connected with atleast one sterilization device (103, 203, 204).
2. The door handle with sterilization device (100,200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein atleast one sterilization device (103, 203, 204) is configured to be powered by a power source (108, 210), wherein the power source (108, 210) is configured from one of the a battery, a body control module (BCM), a vehicle’s central energy source and etc.
3. The door handle with sterilization device (100,200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein alteast one sterilization device (103,203, 204) is configured to be a Ultra-Violet (UV) irradiation device, wherein the Ultra-Violet (UV) irradiation device emits a Far-UV rays.
4. The door handle with sterilization device (100,200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an audio means (107, 213) configured to be installed on the door grab handle (102, 201) for alerting the user, and wherein the audio means (107,213) is configured to be operatively connected with atleast one sterilization device (103, 203, 204).
5. The door handle with sterilization device (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a power source (109, 212) is configured to provide power to the timer sensor (110,211) and the audio means (107,213).
6. The door handle with sterilization device (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable portion (106,214) of the door grab handle (102, 201) is made from a predefined polymer, wherein the predefined polymer comprises a transparent or translucent type polymer material.
7. The door handle with sterilization device (100, 200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable portion (106,214) and the idle portion (112,216) of the door grab handle (102, 201) is configured to be mounted on the door panel (101,206).
8. A method (300) for sterilization with a door handle sterilization device (100, 200), comprising:
(I) unlocking the vehicle door by the user through remote door unlocking mechanism when the user approaches the door grab handle (102,201) for opening the door;
(II) activating a proximity sensor (104,202);
(III) activating a timer sensor (110,211) by an ECU (109,212) for a predefined time;
(IV) activating atleast one sterilization device (103,203,204) after a predefined time delay and simultaneously switching on the audio means (107,213) to generate a beep-initiation to intimate that the sterilization device (103,203,204) is switched ON;
(V) maintaining the ON stage of the sterilization device (103,203,204) to sterilize the contact surface and near vicinity for completing the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity, wherein the predefined time is based on the energy of sterilization device (103,203,204) and surface area, and wherein the defined vicinity is regulated by the proximity sensor (104, 202);
(VI) generating atleast one beep indication by the audio means (107,213) for indicating completion of the irradiation process for a predefined time in the defined vicinity; and
(VII) post first cycle completion, if the hand or object is sensed by the proximity sensor (104,202) at a predefined distance step (V) is initiated again.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predefined distance of the proximity sensor (104, 202) is configured to be in the range of 5cm to 30cm.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the predefined delay of the timer sensor (110, 211) is configured to vary in the range of 1s to 5s delay.