Badge Holder Dual-Level Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current badge holders lack a dual security mechanism to prevent unauthorized access and theft, as they either allow easy removal or are tamper-proof but not both simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A security badge holder with a locking strip that can be secured in two positions: a reversible position for standard access and an irreversible position to prevent unauthorized access, using a sliding mechanism and locking tooth to secure the badge holder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a badge holder allows easy removal of the badge for reuse, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against theft and unauthorized access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of badge removalVSAvoidsecurity against theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking strip is segmented into two distinct functional positions: a first position with reversible locking for authorized removal, and a second position with irreversible locking for theft prevention. This segmentation allows the same component to provide two different security levels based on the direction of insertion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking strip transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic one that can assume two different states. The reversible/irreversible locking capability is achieved through the directional insertion mechanism, allowing the system to adapt its security level based on the operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a badge holder is made tamper-proof to prevent unauthorized access, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation for legitimate users deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidease of badge removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking strip is pre-configured with two possible insertion directions, each leading to a different locking state. The reversible locking position is established as the default operational state, allowing legitimate users to easily remove badges when needed, while the irreversible position provides enhanced security when theft prevention is the priority

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a badge holder provides irreversible locking to prevent theft, then the security against theft is improved, but the ability to remove and replace badges deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidability to remove and replace badges
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism dynamically adapts its behavior based on the insertion direction of the locking strip. When inserted in the first direction, it provides reversible locking for badge replacement. When inserted in the second direction, it provides irreversible locking for theft prevention. This dynamic adaptation allows the same device to serve multiple security needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3375319B1Badge holder having two levels of safety
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 APCARDS
  • EP3375319B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3375319B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1D
  • EP3375319B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D

AI summary

The invention relates to a secure badge holder (100) comprising a housing (1) for receiving at least one authentication and/or identification badge, the housing (1) having, on one of its edges, a slot (F) allowing the insertion and removal of said at least one badge by sliding it into the housing (1). According to the invention, the badge holder (100) further comprises a locking bar (2) configured to be inserted and secured to the housing (1) in two distinct positions so as to close said slot (F) of the housing (1), a first position in which the locking bar (2) is secured to the housing (1) reversibly, and a second position in which the locking bar (2) is secured to the housing (1) irreversibly.