Hands-Free Door Opener
| Type | COVID-19 initiatives |
|---|---|
| Authors | Walker Smith (Kijenzi) |
| Location | Kenya |
| Status | Deployed |
| Verified by | Field Ready |
| Years | 2018 |
| Made | Yes |
| Replicated | Yes |
| Tools | 3D Printer |
| Cost | USD2.37 |
The Hands-Free Door Opener is an elbow-operated attachment that fits onto a door handle, allowing the door to be opened using the forearm instead of the hand. It fits any handle dimension and was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce hand contact with frequently touched surfaces such as door knobs, supporting infection control in shared spaces.
The opener is 3D printed and can be produced in PLA, ABS, PET, or PETG filament. Total production time is approximately 1 hour 41 minutes, plus roughly 2 minutes to assemble and 1 minute to disassemble.
| More Product Information | |
|---|---|
| Author Code | GN023 |
| Documentation License | CC-BY-4.0 |
| Open Hardware License | CERN |
| Start Date (Development) | March 30, 2020 |
| End Date (Development) | April 6, 2020 |
| Designer | Walker Smith (Kijenzi) |
| Maker | Kijenzi Kenya Ltd |
| Main Materials | PET, ABS OR PETG Filament |
Attribution: This design was developed by Walker Smith of Kijenzi, and produced by Kijenzi Kenya Ltd. (Kisumu, Kenya), between March 30 and April 6, 2020, as part of the "Do Less Harm, Use Your Arm" campaign, supported by Materialise.
Readiness Levels
[edit | edit source]Levels are identified based on this reference: Field Ready Readiness Levels
| Readiness Criteria | Level |
|---|---|
| Field Readiness | 4 |
| Maker Readiness | 4 |
| User Readiness | 4 |
| Tech Readiness | 5 |
| Risk Readiness | 5 |
Manuals
[edit | edit source]
| Making instructions | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_Maker_Manual.zip |
|---|---|
| Quality instructions | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_FAI.zip |
| Operating instructions | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_User_Manual.zip |
| Design files | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_Eng_Dwg.zip |
| Risk assessment | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_Risk_Assessment.zip https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_Test_Plan.zip |
| Schematics | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_CAD.zip |
| Bill of materials | https://www.appropedia.org/File:GN023_BOM.zip |
| Hardware license | CERN-OHL-S |
| Certifications | Start OSHWA certification |
Installation
The door opener is placed on top of the door handle to be fitted, then secured with three cable (zip) ties: two along the long side and one on the short side, to ensure it stays firmly attached. An instructional sticker is then placed on the door above the door knob to guide users.
Use
The forearm is placed into the door opener as shown, then pushed down to disengage the door lock. The door is then pulled open without the hand ever touching the door or handle.
Removal
To remove, all cable ties are cut and the opener lifted off the handle.
Cleaning
The opener can be cleaned with soap and water (hot water should not be used) or wiped down with a bleach solution.
Field Ready develops manuals to support both the fabrication and safe use of its products. A maker manual provides step-by-step instructions for replicating the design, including materials, tools, and assembly guidance, so that makers in different locations can build the product accurately and consistently. A user manual, where applicable, explains how to properly set up, use, and maintain the product once it is built, helping ensure it performs safely and as intended for the end user. Together, these manuals make the design accessible to both fabricators and the people who ultimately rely on the product.
| Authors | Charles Vincent Barrete |
|---|---|
| License | CC-BY-SA-4.0 |
| Organizations | Field Ready |
| Cite as | Charles Vincent Barrete (2026). "Hands-Free Door Opener". Appropedia. Retrieved September 11, 2026. |