Anti-theft Device Segmented Locking Mechanism for Cardboard Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft devices for merchandise, such as cardboard boxes, often experience jamming or blocking of movable parts in the locking mechanism due to tensile forces, making it difficult or impossible to remove the device without authorization, especially when operated by automatic actuators.
Innovation Solution
The anti-theft device incorporates a separate further locking mechanism that is operatively decoupled from the winding apparatus locking mechanism, allowing for secure attachment and reliable locking and unlocking, preventing tensile force-induced jamming and enabling easy detachment by separating housing parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used in the anti-theft device, then the device structure is simple, but the locking mechanism may jam or block due to tensile forces making it difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a winding apparatus locking mechanism (114) that locks the securing cord, and a further locking mechanism (116) that locks the housing parts together. This segmentation ensures that tensile forces on the securing cord do not affect the operation of the further locking mechanism, preventing jamming and enabling reliable removal when needed.
2Strength
If the winding apparatus locking mechanism is used alone, then the device can be locked securely, but tensile forces cause jamming of movable parts preventing automatic actuator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: the winding apparatus locking mechanism (114) provides secure locking of the securing cord, while the further locking mechanism (116) provides a separate locking path that is not affected by tensile forces on the securing cord, ensuring ease of operation by automatic actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The further locking mechanism (116) is extracted as a separate system from the winding apparatus locking mechanism (114). This extracted mechanism operates independently of the securing cord tension, allowing automatic actuators to operate without interference from tensile forces that would jam the original locking mechanism.
3Device complexity
If housing parts are integrated, then the device structure is simple, but detachment requires complex unwinding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into separable housing parts (102a, 102b) that can be detached from each other. The further locking mechanism (116) locks these housing parts together, providing a simple structural connection that can be easily separated by actuating the further locking mechanism, without requiring complex unwinding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of securing the anti-theft device to merchandise is merged into two independent locking systems: the winding apparatus locking mechanism (114) secures the securing cord, while the further locking mechanism (116) secures the housing parts together. This merging of functions into separate systems simplifies the detachment operation, as actuating the further locking mechanism releases both housing parts and securing cord simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an anti-theft device configured to be attached to merchandise to be protected, preferably to cardboard boxes, the anti-theft device comprising a housing, which comprises a winding apparatus rotatably mounted therein, at least one securing-loop arrangement, the securing-loop arrangement being designed to loop around the merchandise to be protected such that the anti-theft device can be securely connected to the merchandise to be protected, and a winding apparatus locking mechanism configured to prevent the rotational unwinding movement of the winding apparatus in the housing, if the winding apparatus locking mechanism is engaged with the winding apparatus.