Conductive Asset Retention Ring for Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset retention systems fail to securely retain assets like keys, as they can be easily removed by cutting the attachment ring, leading to false detection of asset presence by the system.
Innovation Solution
An asset retention device with a housing and an asset attachment structure made of conductive material that forms an electrical circuit, which breaks if tampered with, coupled with an identifying chip and a main console controller to detect such breaches, ensuring secure retention and alerting mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple mechanical attachment structure is used, then ease of manufacture and device simplicity are improved, but security against unauthorized removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mechanical attachment structure with an electrical circuit integration. The asset attachment structure serves dual purposes: mechanically securing the asset and providing electrical continuity for tamper detection. This merging of functions allows the system to maintain simplicity while enhancing security through the integrated electrical monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electrical circuit continuously monitors the integrity of the asset attachment structure. When tampering occurs and the circuit is broken, the main console receives a signal indicating the breach. This feedback loop enables real-time detection and response to unauthorized removal attempts, transforming a passive mechanical structure into an active security system.
2Device complexity
If no electrical monitoring is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but detection precision of asset removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary element between the asset attachment structure and the main console. This circuit acts as a mediator that translates physical tampering into detectable electrical signals. The intermediary enables the system to detect asset removal attempts without requiring complex monitoring hardware, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving precise detection.
3Measurement precision
If the asset attachment structure is made of conductive material with electrical circuit integration, then detection precision of tampering is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The asset attachment structure is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both the mechanical securing element and the electrical monitoring pathway. By making the attachment structure itself conductive and integrating it into the electrical circuit, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensing components. This universal design approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high detection precision.
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
Prevents unauthorized removal of assets by breaking the electrical circuit upon attempted tampering, triggering alerts and ensuring accurate tracking and logging of asset usage.
Implementation Method 1
an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the end portion and the associated electrical contacts of the housing, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing is broken
Data Source
AI summary
An asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and a cap portion, the base portion and the cap portion containing a plurality of electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the cap portion and making electrical contact with the plurality of electrical contacts, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console including a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit. The asset retention device also includes an identifying chip. The asset attachment structure includes a plurality of hooked ends that extend through channels manufactured into an interior portion of the cap portion of the housing.