Adjustable Clamp Security Device with Magnetic Detacher
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security devices for retail loss prevention lack an adjustable and secure mechanism to attach to items of varying sizes, and fail to provide a reliable method for easy removal and reattachment during sales transactions without triggering alarms.
Innovation Solution
A security device with a core and shuttle mechanism, where the distance between the internal jaw and guide surface varies, allowing the jaw gap to change vertically, combined with a ratcheting system and a detacher key using a magnetic field to facilitate adjustable clamping and secure attachment to items, and equipped with wireless communication for theft detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed jaw gap is used in security devices, then the structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to items of varying sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the jaw gap adjustable through a movable shuttle mechanism. The shuttle can slide along the core to change the distance between the internal jaw and external jaw, allowing the device to adapt to different item sizes. This transforms a static structure into a dynamic one that can be adjusted as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the security device into two main components: a fixed core with an internal jaw and a movable shuttle with an external jaw. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the jaw gap by moving the shuttle relative to the core, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a secure attachment mechanism is added to prevent theft, then security is improved, but removal and reattachment during sales transactions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a magnetic field-based detacher key system. The detacher key uses a magnet to interact with a magnetically actuated component in the shuttle, allowing easy release of the jaw gap closure without complex mechanical keys or tools, thus maintaining security while enabling easy operation during transactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detacher key as an intermediary tool that mediates between the user and the secure attachment mechanism. The key contains a magnet that interacts with the shuttle's magnetic component to temporarily override the secure locking mechanism, allowing controlled release during authorized transactions while maintaining security against unauthorized access.
3Reliability
If the jaw gap is closed tightly to secure items, then security is improved, but the device cannot be easily opened without triggering alarms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical release mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The detacher key generates a magnetic field that interacts with the shuttle's magnetic component, causing it to move and open the jaw gap. This substitution allows the jaw gap to remain securely closed during transport while enabling easy, clean opening at the point of sale without triggering alarms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical force to magnetic field interaction. By using magnetic fields to control the shuttle's position and the jaw gap's closure state, the system achieves both secure locking during transport and easy, alarm-free opening when the detacher key is applied at the point of sale.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device securely attaches to items of different sizes, allows easy removal and reattachment at the point of sale, and triggers alarms if attempted theft is detected, enhancing retail loss prevention while minimizing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
The core further comprises ratcheting teeth and the shuttle comprises a spring biased member configured to engage the ratcheting teeth. The spring biased member is configured to be compressed and moved out of engagement with the ratcheting teeth in response to a magnetic field thereby allowing the shuttle to slide freely in a forward sliding direction and a rearward sliding direction. The magnet of the detacher key provides the magnetic field.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example security device is provided that includes a core and a shuttle. The core includes an internal jaw and a guide surface and a distance between the internal jaw and the guide surface varies across a length of the core. The shuttle includes an opening that forms an external jaw. A jaw gap is defined between the internal jaw and the external jaw that is configured to receive a portion of an item to protect.