Blocking Element Mechanism for Slim Device Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thinner portable electronic devices lack suitable attachment points for traditional security locks, making them vulnerable to theft and requiring bulky or less secure attachment methods that compromise their slim design.

Innovation Solution

A security apparatus comprising a shell that surrounds the device, an attachment device, and a blocking element that moves between open and closed positions, allowing for secure engagement with a locking mechanism without permanent adhesives, maintaining the device's slim profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional physical security devices (locks) are used, then security protection is improved, but the device form factor becomes bulky and incompatible with thinner devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoiddevice form factor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The security apparatus is nested within a protective shell that conforms to the thin profile of the portable device. The blocking element is housed within the shell and only protrudes when needed to engage with the attachment device, allowing the security mechanism to be compact while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a retracted position (maintaining thin profile) and an extended position (providing security engagement). This dynamic capability allows the same structure to serve both aesthetic/profile requirements and security requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If permanent adhesive based attachment methodologies are used, then attachment is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase and security decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment methodVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element acts as an intermediary mechanical component between the shell and the attachment device. Instead of directly adhering to the device, the security apparatus uses this movable blocking element that physically engages with the attachment device, providing a reliable mechanical connection that is both secure and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If bulky attachment means are used, then security attachment is achieved, but the advantages of low profile and ultra-slim design are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity attachmentVSAvoidprofile thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The security apparatus applies local quality by concentrating the security function in a specific localized area (the blocking element near the attachment device) rather than requiring bulk throughout the entire device. The majority of the shell maintains the thin profile while only the necessary security components are present where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9085920B2Security apparatus with blocking element

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 ACCO BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A security apparatus for securing a portable device includes a shell configured to surround at least a portion of the portable device, an attachment device coupled to the shell, and a blocking element defining a clearance aperture. The blocking element is movably coupled to the shell for movement between a first position, in which the portable device is removable from the shell, and a second position, in which the portable device is secured within the shell. The attachment device extends through the clearance aperture of the blocking element when the blocking element is in the second position.