Stop the lock. Prevent your door lock from locking.
My roommates and neighbors are tired of constantly unlocking the dorm doors when going out for small tasks.
Criteria:
Design must be discreet. Door cannot appear to be unlocked for security reasons.
Design must not damage door and be easily removable.
Design must be durable. Current solution is using post-it notes that constantly fall off or rip.
I began by asking people around me about any problems they face everyday. By chatting with various people, I was able to come up with different problems I would never have thought of in the first place. I wrote down all my ideas and problems to begin building on a solution.
I ended up choosing the problem with the door locking because it is a unique and annoying problem that many people on my floor face. I also could not find a commercial solution for this problem. I thought of several potential designs and solutions to this problem and drew rough sketches for each.
After analyzing each of the solutions I created with a decision matrix, I chose the design with the best outcome. I created my 3D model using Fusion 360, a computer-aided design software application. After several iterations changing tolerances and appearance, I came up with this final design.
Unfortunately, I do not have access to Jacobs Hall Maker Space so I am not able to create a physical prototype. During typical projects, I would use my personal 3D printer to prototype and create final products using various forms of manufacturing such as laser cutting or wood working.
This product prevents Clark Kerr doors from locking. The protruding part on the end goes into the strike plate ensuring a snug and stable fit. The chamfered edges on this end allows the part to easily slide in and out of the hole. The circular hole on the other end allows users to have a convenient grip on the door stop. The circular hole is filleted to ensure better ergonomics and comfort.
With this doorstop, my roommates and other Clark Kerr residents can quickly and easily prevent their doors from locking when running small tasks. The sleek, hidden design ensures that no one else can see that the door is unlocked.
Feel free to reach out to me at brian_hsu@berkeley.edu to get more information on this project!
Hi! My name is Brian Hsu, and I am a Freshman studying Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. I really enjoy building and designing using my 3d printers and computer. My interests include 3d printing technology, automation, swimming, and more. My goal is to become an engineer that creates inventions to make the world a better place.