Dortrend Innovations

The Company
Dortrend design and manufacture high quality products and have devices to suit all needs in any location from offices and hospitals to institutions and educational establishments where vulnerable adults are cared for. They specialise in the manufacture of door fittings for the healthcare sector with an anti-ligature fitting being an important part of this portfolio.
The Challenge
Although Dortrend were already experienced in developing anti-ligature fittings, they needed help with a design that would integrate a sensor into an anti-ligature turn and release that would indicate if there was someone in the facility, even if the door was unlocked. The principal purpose of this was to ensure the safety of clients and staff within mental health units. Dortrend required design support to achieve an appearance that was as non-institutional as possible so that it did not make it obvious that there was a sensor present. The company also needed help determining the correct sensor to use that could accurately sense if a room was occupied, even if the person inside was standing still.
The Solution
The Health Design & Technology Institute (HDTI) at Coventry University began by researching available sensor technology and, with the assistance of academics in the University’s Faculty of Engineering & Computing, identified an appropriate device that could be integrated into a door fitting. HDTI designed the unit in Solid Works, paying particular attention to the aesthetic appearance of the product to ensure it did not appear ‘institutionalised’. After only three meetings the correct shape was achieved and a rapid prototype produced.
The Results
Dortrend is aiming to launch the newly developed product very soon and hope this will help secure jobs and maintain its leadership in the anti-ligature door fittings market.
Quotes
“Working with an academic whose specialist area of expertise is in sensor technology was critical to the success of this project and allowed us to optimise the form and function of the device before developing the aesthetic appearance of the finished product.”
Paul Magee, Senior Product Designer, HDTI
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“In a very short time, HDTI achieved something that would have taken us months to do. The innovations vouchers really work for SMEs who have the ideas but lack the resources to develop them.”
Philip Dean, Managing Director, Dortrend International Ltd
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Innovation Vouchers is a government funded business support scheme for small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the West Midlands. SMEs are awarded a £3,000 voucher to spend working with one of the thirteen universities in the region to develop product and process innovations, and enhance their business. This round of vouchers was funded by the Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).