Basket EAS Tag Housing Nesting Loop

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hand baskets are frequently stolen in markets, and existing security systems are ineffective in preventing this theft due to the lack of integrated anti-theft measures in the baskets themselves.

Innovation Solution

A stackable hand basket design incorporating a housing with an EAS tag in the looped ends of its support elements, allowing for easy replacement and secure detection by acousto-magnetic systems, preventing theft by triggering an alarm when the basket is moved near the exit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a housing with an EAS tag is integrated into the basket, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidbasket structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing containing the EAS tag is nested within the loop structure of the support element. The loop itself serves as the mounting structure for the housing, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms. This nesting approach integrates the security feature into the existing basket structure with minimal additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The loop structure of the support element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the basket and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the housing containing the EAS tag. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a housing is added to hold the tag, then security functionality is improved, but space utilization is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity functionalityVSAvoidbasket space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed to fit within the loop structure of the support element, utilizing the existing spatial configuration. This nesting ensures that the housing occupies minimal additional space while still providing the necessary enclosure for the EAS tag.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is designed as a compact, space-efficient enclosure that fits within the loop structure. The housing dimensions are optimized to minimize space occupation while maintaining the necessary protection and functionality for the EAS tag.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the housing is made secure with locking means, then tag retention is improved, but ease of operation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetag retentionVSAvoidhousing assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into separate components (housing body and cover) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The locking means are integrated into this segmented structure, allowing for simple engagement and disengagement operations while maintaining secure tag retention when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking means are designed to provide secure retention when engaged but allow for easy release when needed. The dynamic nature of the locking mechanism enables it to transition between locked and unlocked states with simple operations, balancing security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively deters theft by ensuring that the hand basket triggers an alarm when attempted to be taken, providing a secure and space-efficient integration of anti-theft technology without hindering customer or staff operations.

Implementation Method 1

An acousto-magnetic system, which is preferably provided at the exit of a market, generates an electromagnetic field in the surveillance area of the antennas in order to detect the EAS tags. The transmitter emits a pulsating signal that energizes an EAS tag located in the surveillance area. In the pauses between the individual transmission pulses, the tag responds at the same frequency and is thus 'heard' by the receiver. This is possible due to the nature of the label. If the tag approaches a so-called detection field, it starts to vibrate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcousto-magnetic:

Data Source

PatentEP2048087B1Basket
Publication Date: 2010.07.21 WANZL METALLWARENFAB GMBH
  • EP2048087B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3
  • EP2048087B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~5d

AI summary

A casing (9) is attached near ends of wires (2) forming the basket (1). The casing carries an electronic security system tag or label. It is made in two parts, a base and a cover, which snap together. The cover includes a recess for the electronic label.