Hannah Jackson

Professional Practice

Live Brief- Monaghan Northern

Contents 1. Brief

2. Initial thoughts

3. Personal Brief

4. Inspiration

5. Existing products

6. More about HAF/ competitors

7. HAF range

8. Analysis of market research

9. Research material

10.Legislation and regulations

11.Ergonomics/ anthropometrics

12.Primary research

13.Specification

14-17. Initial ideas

18. Initial Models

19. Initial CAD models

20.Development

21. Research David Mellor

22-29. Development

30. Full scale drawings

31. Final design

32. The range

33. Final model

34. How it will work

35. Manufacturing- CNC router

37. Evaluation

38. Bibliography

Brief Design a range of door handles for either the domestic market or contract

market.

Areas within the domestic market cover all areas of home/ residential situations

and any areas in the contract market may be considered. Standard materials,

manufacturing processes and finishes associated with the door handle market

may be considered, however you are encouraged to explore alternatives.

You must develop and present a range of ideas, as well as prepare professional

high fidelity models of final designs. These must be supported by in depth

research into your target market, users and environments.

There are various markets you can choose from:

1. Sustainable materials: products made from sustainable materials, very few

items have this label, perhaps due to working parts and requirements such as

fire ratings, could you design a ‘trim’ item to fit this market.

2. Architect designer handles: design a new lever handle and a suit of products

to fit within the HAF range, however there are many existing designs to be

avoided.

3. An extension of the above designing a ‘Made in Sheffield’ stainless steel

handle. With Sheffield being John’s home town he would be keen to

see something being designed and made here. This would also provide

a marketing opportunity considering the cities reputation for high

quality stainless steel.

4. Products for accessibility: design a handle considering new legislation of

the equality act and recommendations of BS8300. considering things

such as how the handle must be differential from the door etc.

5. An extension of the above designing a back to back pull handle. This

should communicate to the user which way to open the door and

must be accessible to wheelchair users etc.

6. The HAF brand is popular with interior designers for hotels. It would be

beneficial to Monaghan to update there bathroom range and explore a

new range of products.

Being born and bred in Sheffield, sharing John’s passion for the city I

chose to explore Market 3.

Sheffield

Green

Cutlery

Peace gardens

Winter gardens

Millennium

galleries

Steel

Sport

Football

Hockey

Water

Fountains

Silver balls

Greenest

city

Bent wood

History Art

Music

Arctic

Monkeys

Cutlers Hall Silver Stainless Steel

Initial Thoughts/ focus

Personal Brief I will design and make a prototype of a lever door handle and design a range which will go with this handle for example, push plate, pull handle,

escutcheon, hook and turn and release.

I will look into using materials which have been used previously in Sheffield's industry for example steel highlighting its ‘made in Sheffield’ qualities.

My handle design will fit into the current HAF range whilst it ‘made in Sheffield’ qualities can give it extra marketing qualities and therefore extra value.

This will help the fact that although it will cost more to produce if it is produced in Sheffield it could be sold for more.

My handle will be made initially for the domestic market but I will also look into legislation and current handles used in for the commercial market and

see whether it would be liable to make my handles for commercial markets too such as small restaurants and boutique hotels.

User/ Market

My handle will be a ‘made in Sheffield’ handle this will be apparent in its design and also in its materials and perhaps where it is produced. giving me a

target market of wealthy homeowners in Sheffield and perhaps businesses in Sheffield and surrounding areas. It will also appeal to architects and

homeowners who are passionate about using products which are made in Britain and embrace its industries and culture.

Below are various images of places where I aim to make my handle fit in, such as converted buildings like magna which was previously a steel works

and modern Sheffield university buildings. Also modern homes or home with modern and sleek interiors.

Inspiration

Although these handles

are not used for doors

etc the shapes could be

used for part of my

designs.

Some of these handles are in the

HAF range there bigger shapes

may be easier for people with

problems such as arthritis to

grab.

The handle above has novelty

qualities it would be interesting to

see whether it would be

comfortable to use.

The car handle below works in an

interesting way could this be used in

any of my designs?

The handle to the

left has a very

industrial look to it

and looks very

sturdy.

The handles above

are for cupboard

doors the shape

could be used for a

pull handle .

I personally like the handle above. The

shape is very standard but the placing

of the finger indents make it a

personalised handle I think this is very

interesting and gives it a unique

selling point.

The handle above is a very

traditional design could I use the

hollowed out effect on my handle.

The range of handles below look

very simple and would go into many

interiors.

The range of handles

above incorporate wood

into part of them, I could

incorporate various

materials into my handle

design.

These handle are designed by Frank

Gehry they are sleek and simple, this is a

look used in the HAF range which I will

need embrace with my design. The scissor handles are comfortable

to use could this cut out idea be

used as part of my handle. It would

then not need to be grabbed as the

hand would just fit into it.

The handle to the right is a standard

handle often used in hotels etc the

shape means things cannot get caught

on it this would need to be considered

for my design.

The handles to the left are

simple handle shape with a

novelty twist.

Existing products

The rubber grip on a hockey

stick makes it more

comfortable to hold could

this be a material I could use

in my handle design..

The cuboid shape

handle is a very modern

shaped handle although

comfort may be

compromised the

Bauhaus inspired design

is aesthetically pleasing.

More About HAF

About HAF

HAF are leading suppliers in premium quality contemporary door

furniture. They offer a range of designer door handles and

accessories made from stainless steel and various other high quality

materials.

They are one of the UK’s leading architectural iron mongers supplying

there door furniture to large and small high standard projects across

the UK and around the world.

There products are design perfectly for luxury and contemporary

interiors whether they are domestic or commercial. They embrace

innovation but still produce functional products. These are defiantly

qualities I want to embrace in my design. There door furniture is mad

to compliment the ‘most diverse of design concepts’.

Along with there range they also offer a bespoke service which

allows customers to discuss individual design customers and specialist

requirements. This shows they have a diverse market from large

commercial products to a single customer wanting an individual

piece for there own home. Showing they have customers willing to

pay high prices for excellent quality and unique pieces.

Competitors

The HAF range is at the top of the game in terms of supplying high

quality door furniture. One thing which I aim to do in my design is

put it another step above the rest.

The made in Sheffield aspect of my design is something rarely done

and to ensure it is innovative and new I will look at Monaghan's

competitors and what is already being done.

Aspex UK is one off HAFs main competitors but its products are

limited in terms of innovation and personalisation for example they do

not offer a bespoke service or the personalisation of the coloured

handles

HAFs existing designs are limited in

terms of materials used could there be

room for more materials to be used in

its handles designs

A sight called Handle world was

offering this matte black and polished

chrome finish which I had not seen

in the HAF range.

Handle world also used wood in a few

of there handles could I use this in my

design or would this be a problem

material in terms of wear?

Zaha Hadid architects sold this handle

above which I thought was very

innovative, could something this

different be added to the HAF range?

SDS London is another company

which sold high quality handles

however everything I saw on there

website was very simple and didn't

stand out

A website called TKB also sold

stainless steel handle but again there

were not many unusual designs sold

on there website.

Analysis of market research

The HAF range is very

on Trend and

contemporary. A lot of

the handles are quite

cubist and have

Bauhaus feel to them,

whilst some look very

ergonomic and rounded and smooth.

These are things I need to take into

consideration when it comes to the

aesthetics of my handle design.

HAF’s customers are generally architects

working for large commercial companies through to single domestic

customers. Although I am initial designing my handle for the

domestic market I will take into consideration legislation etc for door

furniture in commercial buildings and make my handle as appropriate

as is possible without compromising the design.

When looking at the prices of the Handles in the HAF range I can see

that the high quality of the handle puts them in a high price bracket .

This shows that the HAF range is aimed at the high end market and is

a high quality product that fits this bracket well. This is what makes

HAF so successful. Therefore my designs need to be a high quality

door furniture range with a unique selling point; that it is a Made in

Sheffield handle.

The materials used in the HAF range

are mainly mild steel. With some parts

of handles being powder coated

giving a high quality finish. Although

I may experiment with new materials

essentially I will use steel as the main

material for my handle design. This is

for various reasons. Not only is it used

in the HAF range a lot already so my

handle will fit into the range well but

steel is also a huge part of Sheffield

industrial industry and so it being made of steel would epitomise a

Made in Sheffield handle.

Looking at competitors handles

there was one which really

Stuck out and I liked I will

therefore think about using this

matte black finish in my handle

design.

One other thing which I found was that the range of push plates

in the HAF range were very plain and simple. I will therefore keep

this simple feel in my designing of a push plate for my range but I

want to do something different and interesting with the shape of

my push plate.

Material Research Dio-met

Dio-met are specialist

architectural metal

workers based in

Sheffield, to the right it

a stainless steel stair

hand rail. There

products are of very

high quality.

Laidlaw

Laid law are

architectural

ironmongers based in

Sheffield they have

produced a large range

of products which are of

a high quality.

Chrome plaiting

Could my handle

be chrome plaited

and would this be

a viable process in

terms of cost.

Bronze

A solid bronze

handle would

be expensive

could this be an

optional finish?

Brushed steel

Brushed steel is

a simple finish

and easy to

apply if the

handle was

made of solid

steel. Which

would be good

to go with the

made in

Sheffield theme.

Powder coating

Is a long lasting and relatively

cheap finish in terms of

getting different colours on

the finished product. Could

this be an option as part of

my design.

Acrylic

Could acrylic be used as part of

my handle could clear be used to

give the illusion of little material

being used?

Polished concrete

Is an on trend

material at the

moment being

used more and

more could it be

used as part of my

handle or would

the cold touch be

too much?

Glow in the dark

could a illumine sent

material be used as

part of the handle to

guide people in the

dark to the door.

Stainless steel

I think this would be the most

appropriate material for my

handle with it being made in

Sheffield with its steel industry

history. It is also the material

used most in the HAF range.

Rubber grip

Could I incorporate a rubber grip

into my handle design to make it

easier and more comfortable to

hold and not cold to the touch for

people with arthritis etc.

Legislation and Regulation The general Legislation on door handles does give general

guidelines but there are very little laws regarding the height and

shape etc of handles.

These are some legislations I will take into account when designing

my hand le to ensure it is useable to a wide variety of people in our

society.

•The clearance between the handle and the door should not be

less than 30mm

•It should be possible to operate door opening furniture without

tightly grasping or twisting it.

•Door handles should be located at a height of 900mm to

1200mm above floor level. The diagram to the right shows the

preferred heights of door furniture.

The Main issues for pull handles and door furniture in relation to

accessibility are;

1. The need to grip a door handle or operate it with a closed fist.

2. Avoidance of clothing being caught

3. Avoidance of very cold surfaces

4. Visual Contrast of Door Levers

Although I found limited information on the regulations etc for

door furniture the point I found I will consider.

The points above are the main points I will consider when

designing my handle and the materials I decide to use.

I found that there were a series of grades tested on various needs

of use for door furniture for example:

This would need to be

considered when I am deciding

which rose to use in my design

to ensure it would be fit for

purpose and work for the user.

As my handle will be designed

aimed at the domestic market it

will not take to much wear

compared to a bar or club for

example. But still has to be a

high quality long lasting

product to fit with the HAF

range.

Ergonomics/ Anthropometrics Ergonomics or how something works with the human body is important in design. I

need to understand how the hand will work with my handle in order for it to be

appropriate for its use.

I have looked into various things such as the appropriate shape and size of the handle in

consideration of average sizes of peoples hands and fingers. The diagram to the right

helped me a lot in this

•The general width of the piece to be held by the hand is 2-4cm. It does not want to be

too small so it needs a lot of effort to be gripped but not to large for people with smaller

hands to fit there palm around shown in the image below.

•The length of the handle should be at least 10 cm to ensure that even the people with

the largest hands would be able to fit there hand onto the handle.

•The space between the handle and the door also needs to consider the size of peoples

hands this should be generally above 3.5cm.

•The shape needs to be considered in obvious points such as avoiding sharp edges a

more ergonomics shape would be smooth and flowing but not necessarily made to fit

into the hand as everyone's are different. However a rough surface could be used for

grip.

•The surface of the handle needs to consider ergonomics too. It needs to be

comfortable to hold so not to rough but a smooth surface may make it harder to use.

Also will the cold touch of some materials be a problem.

•A raised or curved edge on the end of the handle may be useful to determine where

the handle ends.

•In some cases a sharper edge rather than completely

curved may be better to give more grip.

•What I also need to consider is although I am trying to

design something different for the handle market is that

my handle design still needs to signify its function and be

well seen on the door.

Primary research I wanted to look at the way door handles were used in different ways so that I

could understand what would consist of a easy to use handle which worked well

but was aesthetically pleasing at the same time. I began taking photos of handles

in use and the different ways they were

Gripped in the hand.

To the left is a handle where the thumb

is being pushed to the left to hold it I

could use this in part of my design

maybe there could be a cut out here.

This is shown in the horizontal pull

handle below as well.

Above is a simple grip of a pull handle

the space taken by the grip of the

hand would need to be considered

on a pull handle to enable it to be

gripped.

Below the hand is just sort of rested

on the handle and the weight of the

hand is used you pull it down the

curve back into the door helped here

so that my hand did not just slip of the

handle when I pushed it down.

Same as photo to left.

Above the handle is simply gripped in

the hand with the thumb underneath

when I asked people to grab a handle

this was the most popular way people

griped the handle.

To the left and right is a simple grip of

a vertical pull handle as the handle

was quite thin my hand wrapped

right around it tightly, I would have

found it more comfortable if it was

thicker. Although some of the people I

asked said that the door wasn't heavy

and so they would just use there

fingers and pull it. But on heavy doors

they would want something bigger to

grab.

Above is how people who were taller

than average would generally grab a

handle I need to take into

consideration when designing my

handle that not everyone grabs them

from the same position and so there

way to hold the handle is never

exactly the same as mine, what feels

comfortable to me may not for others.

Specification From my research I have drawn various specification points to

consider when designing a ‘made in Sheffield’ lever handle as an

extension of the HAF range.

• The handle should link to Sheffield not only in its making but

also in its design.

•It must be comfortable to use in the hand for people of various

sizes and capabilities..

•The handle must be aesthetically pleasing and have a

contemporary feel to ensure it fits in with the current HAF range

and the intended target market.

•The material the handle is made with must be appropriate taking

into consideration the feel (does it conduct heat?) and aesthetics

so that it fits in with the HAF range.

•The space between the handle and the door must be above

35mm.

•The length of the handle must be at least 100mm and the

thinness of the handle itself (diameter) above 15mm

•The handle must be able to be produced to a reasonable price

making it sellable to the intended market and so Monaghan can

make a profit.

•The handle must be durable and of a high quality so it is a quality

product and will fit into the HAF brand.

•The shape of the handle must take into consideration safety

matters so no sharp edges etc.

•The finish of the handle must be toxin free.

•The shape of the handle must consider that people may get

caught on it and this may be a danger.

•There must be a visual contrast between the handle and the

door, as well as it showing its function.

•Could the handle be made in part so part of the design could be

changed without the whole handle being changed.

•The rose of the handle must fit in the HAF spring insert.

Initial Ideas This handle idea is inspired

by the silver balls in the

peace gardens in Sheffield

they could be arranged in

various ways for ergonomic

purposes. I drew up

variations to see which

would work best visually.

The balls would be casted

stainless steel.

The simple idea above

with added grip could

use original handle and

grips could be added.

The idea above was inspired by the fountains in

the peace gardens in Sheffield. It could be made of

steel wire bent round into a spiral. It could also be

a solid piece with the spiral carved out by CNC if

the hollow handle was not strong enough. The

idea above is a variation of this but safeness and

whether it would be comfortable to use would be

questionable.

The idea above is

one inspired by the

cubist style handle in

the HAF range. The

bends could be in

different positions

when considering

where the hand

would go.

The spiral

handle to the

right is one

which could be

hollow to

reduce material

used. Below is a handle idea inspired by a key I first

drew it as a very literal design then thought

about how I could use the shape but not so

literally.

Initial Ideas

I really liked the ball

idea I had so I began

to look at how a

could develop it

looking at different

formations and roses

etc, also whether it

could be smoothed

over looking at

whether this would

be more ergonomic.

Below is an idea which

obviously too dangerous but

it was inspired by Sheffield

cutlery industry I will develop

it so it is useable.

It would not be

made out of an

actual fork but

would be

casted from

solid

stainless

steel.

Below is the idea if using a girder

of a handle it is one of the most prominent things

which symbolises Sheffield's industrial history and I

think would be good to develop into a handle

design.

Above is a variation of the ball idea which is more

rough like rocks I don't know if this would be a

very comfortable handle in terms of grip.

The idea to the right and the one

at the top of the page are sort of

illusions and would look flat from

the front but would move forward

and back when looked at from

above.

Initial ideas

This idea is one which the inside would be

hollowed out it is inspired by the handles on

Victorian silver dinner serving platter which I had

seen in the millennium galleries in Sheffield.

This is an idea inspired by a knife

however the grooves could be

made from rubber grips rather than

being groove in the cutlery.

Here I drew random organic shapes to see what sort of shapes I could

find too use as handles there were a few which I thought where quite

good aesthetically by needed adjusting . Such as the end on the idea to

the left and the grooves which may fit into some peoples hands but may

be uncomfortable for others.

The idea to the right

was inspired by a

screwdriver however I

thought this was far

too literal and

although it was quite

novel would not fit

into the HAF range.

Below is a simple idea inspired by the

cubist/ Bauhaus style designs already in

the HAF range. However I want to bring

something different to the range and it

doesn't link with Sheffield.

Initial ideas

Above is an idea which

again plays on the

illusion idea and looks

different from different

angles but I don't think

this fits in with the made

in Sheffield theme of my

handle very well so I will

not take this idea further.

These are more ideas of the one on the

previous page which has the cut out part.

This would make the handle lighter but give it

more to actually hold.

To the left is an idea

of using the shape

of a hockey stick or

the hockey stick

handle for the

handle as the

Sheffield hockey

team is quite

popular and

hockey sticks

obviously have to

be comfortable to

use. Again I think

the first drawing

was too literal so I

developed the

shape so it could be

used as a handle.

The idea to the right uses a simple HAF idea and adds

different piece which could be different materials which

could add grip and give the handle another dimension.

To the left is another

idea which would

have a cut out piece

to use less material.

This is more simple

and I think would fit

better into the HAF

range than the ideas

above.

Models

The two models of the fork idea I had show how bulky and big the handle would need to

be. My model was too small to did into the hand comfortably and fit into the HAF range this

showed me the scale I needed to be working to when making my prototype and how it

could be made to fit in the hand well.

These three photographs show how my models could

be improved the handle on the fork design model

could be made thicker to fit with the hand well or a grip

could be added. The grooves could also be filled with

some material for example a coloured acrylic of the

users choice or a rubber/ silicone. The ball idea could

also be improved by the spaces being less harsh or

these could also be filled with a rubber this would make

the handle very comfortable to hold.

The models below are of the ball idea which I was

rather keen on however when I made it showed me

how hard it would be to manufacture and I questioned

whether it related to Sheffield enough. However it was

a comfortable shape in the hand. Especially when filled

in as shown above.

CAD Models

The model above shows one of my initial ideas however

after modelling this up on a CAD programme I realised

that it wouldn't look good made of steel and this was a

material I intended to use due to Sheffield's industrial steel

background.

These images show the ball idea I had made a

model of on the previous page. I looked at

using a square rose for this idea and I think the

juxtapose works well

This idea is one that was inspired by a

knife after looking at the fork idea.

Rather than having grooves in the

handle I added rubber grips to make it

more comfortable to hold.

If I was going to take the idea below further I

would make the handle thicker and work on the

part which curves round which would go into the

rose.

The CAD images to the left show

the actual scale of the handle rather

than the model I had made before.

the way I have made the handle go

up at the end adds to the aesthetics

of the handle and symbolises its

end.

Development

These are different

variations of the ball

idea I had, looking

at the direction in

which the go and

how they could be

joined differently. I

will make a model

of this idea to see

how it feels in the

hand .

The idea of a fork shape being used

in a handle was one which I thought I

would develop. I looked at how many

grooves could be cut out in the end of

the handle. Three grooves defiantly

looks better than two.

The drawings to the right are ones which

look at the shape of the end of the handle

from the fork shape. The bottom one

which bends back round would be more

suitable because things would be less likely

to get caught on it and it would show the

end of the handle.

Visit to David Mellor centre I have decided to take the idea of a fork shaped or girder shaped Handle further. I therefore decided to visit the

David Mellor centre to gain inspiration and get an insight into the processes used in Sheffield's cutlery and steel

industry.

The handles on the cutlery above and below

has handles made from different materials one

wood and one plastic. These handles get a lot of

wear and will last years. Could this style be used

as part of my handle, the black and silver on the

cutlery above is a good contrast I would like to

use this in my design.

The cutlery above have flat handles the left set is engraved

with lines this helps with the grip on the cutlery and adds an

aesthetic aspect to the cutlery.

To the left is some cutlery with a round shape on the end and

the ones underneath slightly different but the same concept.

This helps to hold them as the hand will not slip of the end

when it is in use.

The knives on the left have

a large rounded handle

this would be comfortable

in the hand.

Development of Fork idea The idea was one

of my favourites

from my

development

stage of the fork

shape idea and

the handle sticking

out could be easily

formed from one

of HAFs existing

handles and the

head CNC routed.

Here are some more developed ideas from the fork shaped idea. I looked at making it module

so different pieces could be removed and changed.

This idea to the right

was also one of the

best from development

I will make a model of

this idea to see how it

would look and feel in

the hand

I tried to use a more organic

shape to the left but I didn't

feel it fitted into the fork

shaped theme and didn't

look right.

To the left id tried to mix more

organic shapes with the idea

of making the handle

modular.

These ideas are

variations of the

same one using

more cubic shapes

than organic where

the one on the left is

very. square on the

edges I curved it

round more on the

right drawing to

make the shape

safer.

The idea to the right

uses organic shapes

again but I think these

ideas would have a

problem with things

getting caught on the

edge of them and

hands slipping of

because of the

smooth end on the

shape. Although the

bottom idea is a lot

more cubist this

would have the same

problem.

Development of Fork Idea Models

This model was successful it was to better scale than the previous idea and so I could see how it would feel in the hand. The shape of the handle

meant it was comfortable to hold although I do think it could be improved by being made thicker. This fork idea would be made by sand casting in

two separate parts the handle piece and the fork end which fits into the rose. The fork grooves could then be routed out by CNC router. this would

mean that the handle could come with various finishes and be assembled with a simple grub screw. Although this model was one which was

successful and people found it comfortable to hold I felt I could come up with a better idea by looking at the girder and developing this into a valid

and marketable design.

Development of Girder idea After development on the fork shape idea I found it difficult to

think of a well rounded idea and after some development

decided to move onto the girder idea and develop that further.

Also after speaking to the client the girder idea was chosen as

the most appropriate idea for the brief.

Here to the left I had the

idea to make the handle

more comfortable to hold

that it could be filled with a

clear acrylic or coloured if

the customer wanted.

I thought it would be an

interesting idea to curve the

girder downwards to show

the end of the handle and to

avoid it getting caught as

easily on things. This would

also eliminate the problem of

a sharp en on the handle. I

will make a model of this idea

to see how it feels and looks

and whether it would need

filling with the acrylic. I will

also look at the different ways

to curve the girder.

This idea to the left

and also the centre

idea on the left

showed a simple

way of connecting

the girder handle to

the door. I will look

further into this as it

would be difficult to

connect the cut out

piece of girder to

the door.

The idea below to

the left is interesting

and shows that the

handle does not

literally need to be

an I beam shape to

resemble the girder.

This would also

make the handle

easier to

manufacture as it

would be one

simple router out of

the solid piece.

The idea above is one which I particularly like it is simple and

would fit in well with the HAF range. The piece fitting onto the

rose would need to be solid but this could be an added feature

to the handle. It could also make the handle modular and the

solid piece could be another colour or material.

Development CAD models I made various CAD

models and rendered

them to see what

materials would look

appropriate and how I

could improve my ideas.

The idea to the left is a very

angular shape and I think could

be improved if a curve was added

to the right hand curve. also the

part that goes back against the

door could be shorter giving the

same effect but saving material.

The images to

the right show a

design where the cut

out doesn't go all the

way down the

shape. I used

different renders to fill

in the grooves on the

girder shape to show

how different colours

could be used to suit

the customer. I like

the slight curve

down in this idea.

To the left is my

original idea I

have looked at

different ways to

attach the girder

design to the

rose. where the

bars cross but not

perfectly is a

better option and

would be easier

to manufacture.

however I think

this would look

better if the bar

was square

instead of round.

In the images to the left I also looked

at putting different materials in the

pieces cut out of the girder. the first

shows a textured rubber which

would add

comfort to the handle and the

second wood giving it a more

traditional look whilst the design still

being contemporary. I will make a

model of the girder shape to see

how it feels in the hand.

Development models

Here I made a model of a simple

straight girder shape to see how it

would feel in the hand as it does

not look like a very ergonomic

shape. I held it in various ways

with the cut outs facing various

directions. The most comfortable

was with the cut out facing into

the pal as shown to the left.

Therefor I will have the cut outs

facing this way on my design as

the aesthetics are not

compromise at all but it is more

comfortable to hold. when I

asked various people they also

agreed.

When I held the girder shape I

thought about how if someone with

small hands may get there fingers

caught in the back cut out. I could

then have the back part not cut out so

it was flat along the back making it

more comfortable to hold.

I also made a girder handle

model with the girder shape

curving down. I liked this model

and looked at it in different

ways to see how it could be

improved. The way the girder

shape would be attached to

the rose is quite fiddly and busy

I therefore will look at ways to

connect this. The main thing I

found was that although id

never thought of it before the

handle would be safer if it were

to curve into the door. This

would help show the end of

the handle for the visually

impaired, stop peoples hands

slipping of the end when using

the handle and make it less

likely for things to get caught

on it.

Development of Girder idea Here I looked into various ways in attaching the girder part of the handle to

the rose. as the previous model had look quite clumsy and needed to be

simplified.

This idea is like the model but it would be one constant

bar rather than the two together. this doesn't look as

sturdy and hard as I would want the handle too. the

same for the idea below it. although the curve would

avoid safety issues with the square edge.

The idea below uses HAF longer

rose which comes out from the

door. I don't think this is the best

option for my handle though as

I don't think the cylindrical shape

works with the girder and want

the girder to be thicker.

The idea to the left is a

more appropriate way of

connecting the handle it

would be more simple to

manufacture as well as it

could be formed from

one solid piece. I will

develop this idea further

using a piece the same

size as the girder part of

the handle.

The idea below would be limited in the way to which it

would actually attach to the rose. as the middle section

would not be very big and the I beam shape could not

go into the rose as it would not be able to spin. A simple

square shape however could have a circular piece of

bar attached and this would not be seen.

This idea is a variation of that in the bottom left hand

corner. its is the same but with a curve. I think the more

square shape would be more appropriate and would fit

with the more cubist shaped handles already in the HAF

range.

Development of Girder idea Here I have looked at which part of the girder would be routed out to form

the girder shape.

after looking at my model I found that not only would the shape be more

ergonomic going in towards the door but would also be more comfortable

to hold if the back piece of the handle was not cut out (if the cut out part

faced to and from the door not up and down as shown below.)

In the idea to the left the top and bottom of

the girder shape are cut out and cut all the

way along. This makes that handle look

lighter. However when the handle is held

the users fingers fall into the cut out

underneath. This could be uncomfortable.

As on the previous page this idea has

a full piece which would connect

the girder and the rose. The routed

piece on this idea starts further into the handle giving it a more

sturdy image which fits in with the HAF range. This piece could

look good in a different colour to the handle and could be powder

coated. Giving the customer the option to choose the colour of the

piece. This gives the made in Sheffield handle even more of a

personal feel and could be changed without the whole handle

having to be changed. The back of the handle would not need to

be routed out as it cannot be seen. This would not only save a

process in manufacturing but make the handle more comfortable

to hold as the back would be flat and the users fingers would not

fall into the grooves which the may if it was to be cut out. This is the

idea is ill use on my final design.

The images to the right show the

chosen idea (left) will look from

the front and the top.

The idea to the

left is like the first

one. However it

would be more

comfortable to

hold as the inside

would not be

routed out and

so the fingers

would hold the

handle easily.

Development- Optional roses

I decided to look at different rose designs and see if I

could find one to fit with my girder better than a

simple rose. HAF use a simple cylindrical rose on

most of there handles which is the perfect size to fit

in there 55mm insert. I have drawn and modelled up

different shapes which would fit in this spring insert

The rose shape below is the

most unusual I came up with

but I do not particularly like it

and don't think it would go

with my handle and the

square end on my handle

would leave a gap between

that and the rose

The CAD drawing in the

bottom left is on inspired by

the girder handle but I think

it would be too much when

put with the handle I have

designed.

After looking at different rose

designs I have decided to

use a simple square rose

with the circle shape for the

insert routed out.

Full Scale Drawings

Final Design

Made In Sheffield The Range

Pull Handle

Escutcheon

Push Plate

Range on Board

Final model- The I Bar Handle

How would it work

To find out how the handle would need to

work to fit into the HAF spring insert I took

one of there existing handles apart. The end of

the handle would have an additional piece

shown above and to the left on the end of the

cuboids shaped piece which goes onto the

rose. This could be CNC routed along with the

handle which could be made from a solid L

shaped piece.

This end enables the end of the handle fit

flush into the rose insert shown right.

The rose is clipped onto the spring insert

to cover the attachment to the door and

the spring insert. Although my rose is not

circular like this one to the right it will have

the exact shape of the inside of this rose in

its centre so that the spring insert can be

clipped on the inside of it.

When the insert goes into the rose it is

a separate injection moulded piece

attached to a spring which is stressed

and springs back up when the lever

handle is released. The outside part

attached to the other end of the

spring is screwed onto the door and

this hold the handle in place.

Manufacturing CNC mills or computer numeric controlled mills are used in

industry to shape handles and other parts for door furniture as

well as for other uses. A CNC milling machine consists of one or

more spindle motors which can cut away at the chose material.

The part which is being cut is drawn up onto a CAD/ CAM

programme and cut automatically to produce a finished part. The

image to the right shows a CNC router in use cutting parts for

door furniture.

The girder shape and rose of my handle could be cut out by CNC

router. It would be cut form a solid piece the cut of the inside of

the girder would then be cut again with a flat ended bit so the

shape is square . The router will cut out the initial shape then go

over lightly to ensure a smooth quality finish needing little

finishing. The L shape piece which comes out of the rose will also

be cut and finished with a powder coating in the desired colour.

Powder coating the L shaped piece will ensure a quick process

that it has a long lasting and flawless finish which can come in

various colours. If the handle is to be used outside this finish will

also ensure long lasting quality.

Using CNC router or milling machine will ensure that each piece is

exactly the same giving the quality expected of HAF. This constant quality

is shown in the door knobs to the right of which the grooves have CNC

milling machine.

The L shaped piece to fit into the rose and the girder shape could be

attached together but the small square piece in the middle of the girder

being left over slightly and the same shape cut out of the L shaped piece

these could then slot together and a grub screw put through. Letting

them be easily changed if wanted.

My handle design could

be sand casted however I

do not think this would be

the best option for my

design. Sand casting will

not be the best option to

enable the sharp corners

and straight edges

needed on my design.

Evaluation

When looking at my handle and holding it I think it needs

to be slightly thinner and longer. This is the only thing I

think with dimensions which could be improved. Taking

5mm of its depth would mean that for people with smaller

hands it would be more comfortable to hole. Making it

slightly longer would ensure that people with even the

biggest hands would be comfortable holding the handle.

Although ergonomics were not the biggest design feature

of my handle design and it is not the most comfortable

handle it is comfortable considering the shape. Along with

the other cubist shaped handle in the HAF range it is

reasonably comfortable to hold.

In terms of linking with Sheffield I think the handle I have

designed works very well. The girder is a symbol of

Sheffield's great industrial steel history.

After placing the handle I have designed on the HAF website on the page

showing my final prototype. I can see that the handle I have designed fits in

well with the HAF range. However I do think it would fit in better if it was

made more slim line with the size changes highlighted.

The material I have used on my handle helps it to fit into the HAF range. It

may not be very good in terms of keeping warm if used as an external

handle.

In terms of the handle and its range being produced to a reasonable price I

think this would be achievable considering the simple processes which

could be used in its making. Even when being manufactured in Sheffield

this extra added price will be taken into consideration by the consumer as

they will appreciate its Made in Sheffield value.

The stainless steel and powder coating which would be used in the

manufacturing of the lever handle and its range will ensure its durability

and quality. The fact that the handle etc will be made in Sheffield will

ensure definite quality control.

In terms of safety the slight curve back into the door makes the handle safe

as it avoids the problem of things getting caught on the handle etc.

There will be a definite visual contrast between most doors and the girder

handle due to it being metallic in finish from the stainless steel and the

colour of the L shape piece.

The L shaped piece could be changed and removed if wanted.

The rose of my handle will also fit in the spring insert which will work the

lever handle.

www.handlesdirect.co.uk/help.html

http://www.sheffield-made.com/acatalog/Famous_Sheffield_Shop.html

http://hafinternational.com/

http://www.dio-met.co.uk/product.php?id=8

http://www.laidlaw.net/Laidlaw_HomePage/thelaidlawservice/technica

linformation.aspx

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_PDF_ADM_2004.pdf

http://mpatkin.org/ergonomics/handle_checklist.htm

http://www.environ.ie/en/Publications/DevelopmentandHousing/Build

ingStandards/FileDownLoad,24773,en.pdf

http://www.dryadironmongery.co.uk/door-furniture-introduction/

http://www.monaghannorthern.co.uk/

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CNC_wood_router

Bibliography