Anti-Theft Ring Assembly That Resists Twisting Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft ring assemblies are vulnerable to breakage when subjected to twisting or rotational force, allowing unauthorized removal of the ring.
Innovation Solution
An anti-theft ring assembly featuring a base with an opening for a product engagement member, a support member with a curved construction, and a locking mechanism that secures the ring using an adjustable cable tie, making it difficult to apply sufficient torque to break the attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thin, flexible tear-resistant plastic strap is used to attach the ring to the tag, then the tag does not limit the customer's ability to try on the ring, but the strap can be easily removed or broken by applying torque
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is disposed at least partially within the housing cavity, nesting the attachment mechanism inside the tag structure. This protects the strap from external tampering while maintaining its function of securing the ring, resolving the contradiction between ease of trying on and resistance to removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the strap attachment from an external surface attachment (2D) to an internal cavity placement (3D). By positioning the strap ends within the housing cavity and securing them internally, the system adds a dimensional layer of protection that prevents unauthorized removal while preserving customer ability to try on the ring.
2Ease of manufacture
If the strap is secured to the outside of the tag by pressure sensitive adhesive, then the attachment is simple, but the consumer can tamper with the attachment in an attempt to remove it
Solution Approach 1:
The strap ends are received within the housing cavity rather than being attached to the external surface. This nesting configuration protects the attachment point from consumer tampering while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of pressure sensitive adhesive within the protected cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing cavity acts as an intermediary structure that protects the vulnerable adhesive attachment. By placing the strap attachment inside the housing rather than on the external surface, the system mediates between the need for simple adhesive attachment and the need to prevent tampering.
3Force
If sufficient torque is applied to the ring, then the strap breaks and the ring can be removed, but this compromises the security of the anti-theft system
Solution Approach 1:
The strap is nested within the housing cavity with its ends secured internally. This configuration protects the strap from the full effect of applied torque, as the housing structure absorbs and distributes the rotational force, preventing the strap from breaking under torque that would otherwise compromise security.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure provides beforehand cushioning against torque application. The rigid housing cavity absorbs and distributes rotational forces before they can concentrate on the strap, preventing strap breakage while allowing the ring to be tried on.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-theft assembly for deterring theft of a ring is provided. The anti-theft assembly includes a base that can be used to support an electronic article surveillance marker; a product engagement member including a support member that supports the ring during use and a locking member that secures the support member to the base; and an attachment member for securing the ring to the support member. In one embodiment, the support member and the locking member are a single, unitary member. In another embodiment, the support member and the locking member are separate members. Once assembled, upon applying a twisting force to the ring the engagement member rotates within the opening so that the attachment member is not broken.