No-Touch Badge Tool

July 2020

 
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I. Motivation

We are currently in the midst of a global pandemic, and so it’s no surprise that no-touch tools are gaining in popularity. You may have seen these handy devices for sale at gas stations and retail stores, or adverts popping up in your Instagram feed. Used correctly, no-touch tools can help reduce the transmission of germs through shared surfaces by minimizing direct contact with the hands and body.

At the office, I find myself using anything but my fingers to press elevator buttons. I use my elbow, or my wallet, or the corner of my MacBook. But more often than not, my digital delegate of choice is my employee badge. Its holder is made of clear hard plastic and is always within reach. Hanging from a retractable leash hooked to my belt loop, we are literally attached at the hip.

But what if the badge could do more than just press elevator buttons? I would design a complementary tool to pull door handles, manipulate bathroom locks, open microwave and refrigerator doors, operate break room sink handles, and more. By reducing skin-to-surface contact with these communal fixtures, such a tool could make workday-to-workday life safer for my colleagues and for myself.

 

II. Considerations & Requirements

  • Cleanability: Non-porous and easy to disinfect

  • Security: Does not obstruct credentials on ID badge

  • Impact: Does not scratch or otherwise damage property

  • Usability: Unobtrusive to carry, easily accessible; ambidextrous

  • Cost: Simple and inexpensive to mass-produce

 

III. Materials

For prototypes, I selected acrylic sheet (a.k.a. PMMA, plexiglass/Plexiglas®, Perspex®, et al.) by virtue of its low cost, suitable material properties, and ability to be formed with a laser machine.

Because many businesses are installing acrylic sneeze guards and other hygienic barriers to protect their staff and customers during the pandemic, I encountered extended lead times (2+ months) to source these materials.

 

IV. Design

 
 

I drew functional inspiration from the Victorinox SwissCard, which likewise accommodates multiple functions within the form factor of a card. Aesthetically, this design resembles a Guayacan wood necklace that I had brought home from a vacation in the Dominican Republic.

 
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2D/3D master model CAD was drawn in Pro/E. The dimensional footprint of the badge tool matches the standard company-issued badge holder, and shares the same slot for attaching to the retractable badge reel. Each functional cutout is geometrically defined by a full or partial right cylindric section.

 
 

Cardboard and acrylic prototypes were fabricated with a 65-watt CO₂ laser cutter in my garage workshop.

 
 
 
 
 

V. Testing

 
 
 

VI. Next steps

I’ve produced an initial batch of prototypes to share with teammates and company leadership, and to collect their feedback. I am concurrently preparing RFQs for my contract manufacturing contacts overseas.

 
 

The process of removing sharp edges with a deburring tool and metal file takes around 10 minutes per part. Future plans for injection-molding tooling would obviate these finishing processes, and greatly simplify production and optimize output.

 
 
 

VII. Acknowledgements

Special thanks to my teammates for their feedback and encouragement. Stay healthy and stay safe.