Semi-automatic retractable handrail utilizing opening/closing movement of sliding door supporting elderly people to walk independently

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to install a handrail on the sliding doors used in hospitals and nursing facilities to support senior and people with disabilities to walk by themselves. The semi-automatic lifting equipment is utilized for the retractable handrail to make sure people in bad health are able to open the door using a weak force. To design the handrail for this purpose, the theoretical formula for opening force is derived. Then the simulation is performed with varying geometry conditions confirming the results are in good agreement with the experiment results. The opening force is designed to be less than the target value previously reported. The sliding door developed in this study is useful for elderly people walking by themselves safely.