Box Edge Security Device with Interlocking EAS Tag

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cable wrap security devices are not ideal for protecting openable merchandise boxes, as they can be opened using force, are unsuitable for certain package geometries, and are inconvenient to use and stack due to their design and high cost.

Innovation Solution

A box edge security device featuring an edge cleat and a tag assembly with an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag that interlocks with the cleat, providing a secure and tamper-proof solution by using a conductive sense loop and proximity sensor to trigger an alarm if the device is removed or compromised.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are used to protect merchandise boxes, then the EAS tag can be detected and alarm can be triggered, but the boxes can still be opened using force and the cables can be manipulated to be removed entirely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protection reliabilityVSAvoidbox opening and cable removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The security device is divided into separate functional components: an EAS tag module for detection and an edge cleat module for physical attachment. This segmentation allows the EAS functionality to be independent from the mechanical attachment method, enabling the use of a more secure edge-mounted attachment system that cannot be manipulated like cable wraps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the cable wrap mechanical system with an edge cleat mechanical system that attaches to the box edge rather than wrapping around it. This substitution eliminates the manipulation vulnerability of cable wraps while maintaining secure physical attachment and EAS detection capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are used, then some security function is provided, but they are expensive and not easy to use due to the need to unwind and rewind cables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity functionVSAvoiddevice installation and handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The EAS tag is designed as a disposable component that is attached to the edge cleat and then discarded after use. This eliminates the need to rewind and reuse cables, making the device easier and faster to install while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the EAS detection functionality from the cable wrap system and places it in a separate tag module that attaches to the edge cleat. This separation allows the mechanical attachment system to be optimized for ease of use while the EAS module provides the security detection function independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are installed on packages, then security is provided, but it is highly inconvenient to stack multiple packages because of the thick housings disposed in the middle of the packages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidpackage stacking space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The security device is moved from a central position on the package (cable wrap housing in the middle) to the edge of the package (edge cleat attachment). This dimensional relocation to the package perimeter eliminates the space occupation problem in the center, allowing packages to be stacked conveniently while maintaining security protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Effectively prevents the opening of openable merchandise boxes and ensures secure stacking and handling by triggering an alarm upon attempted removal or tampering, addressing the limitations of cable wrap devices with a more user-friendly and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

using a conductive sense loop and proximity sensor to trigger an alarm if the device is removed or compromised

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConductive sense loop: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

using a conductive sense loop and proximity sensor to trigger an alarm if the device is removed or compromised

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectProximity sensor:

Data Source

PatentUS11164433B2Box edge security device

Publication Date: 2021.11.02 EDGE SECURITY PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A box edge security device, for a merchandise box having adjacent structural portions connected together along an edge, includes an edge cleat and a tag assembly. The edge cleat is adapted to be attached around an edge of a merchandise box, the merchandise box having a first structural portion and a second structural portion that are connected to one another along the edge, such that a first portion of the edge cleat is disposed against the first structural portion of the merchandise box and a second portion of the edge cleat is disposed against the second structural portion of the merchandise box. The tag assembly interlocks with the edge cleat and includes an electronics assembly, contained within a housing, that forms at least part of an alarm system. The electronics assembly may include an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag.