Theo Door Handle | Moritz Aigner

About

THEO was designed as part of my first semester project at University of Applied Arts Linz. The task was to design a door handle.

Goal

After a research phase, I decided to focus on designing a simple lock mechanism that can be easily integrated into existing doors.

Outcome

The button on the inside of the door handle, when pressed, creates a connection between the door handle and the square steel, preventing small children who are just big enough to push down the handle from opening the door. Parents can therefore easily lock rooms without being restricted. The system can be easily installed without damaging the door, which makes it rental friendly.

Theo

2022
kidsafe door handle
University of Applied Arts Linz

Ergonomic shape

In order to find the optimum ergonomic shape, where pressing the button for an adult is as good as effortless compared to a normal door handle, I made various foam models and tested them with my study colleagues.

Testing the mechanism

I designed the mechanism in Fusion 360 and printed it with a 3D-printer to test and perfect it in a few iterations. I also used the model to build a prototype.

Fusion CAD Model

THEO consists of three parts:
the two door handles for both sides and a custom square steel which can interrupt the connection to the door handle.

Technical drawing of the door handle design concept THEO, showcasing its features and components.

Beyond aesthetics exhibit

On the 50th anniversary of Industrial Design Linz, the exhibition beyond aesthetics took place at the designforum in the MuseumsQuartier vienna. My design concept THEO was also part of the exhibition.