Box Edge Security Device With Sliding Tag Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing merchandise security devices, such as cable wrap security devices, are inadequate for protecting openable boxes and are not suitable for all package geometries, as they can be opened or tampered with, and are often expensive and cumbersome to use.

Innovation Solution

A box edge security device featuring a seal and tag assembly with sliding engagement, where the tag assembly interlocks with the seal to prevent removal and includes an EAS tag for detection, ensuring the security of merchandise boxes with openable edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are used to secure merchandise boxes, then security protection is provided, but the devices cannot prevent opening of openable boxes and are not suitable for all package geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidsuitability for different package geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The security device is divided into separate modular components: a seal component that attaches to the box and a tag assembly that attaches to the seal. This segmentation allows the device to adapt to different box geometries while maintaining security functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from cable-based security (one-dimensional wrapping) to a seal-based system that attaches to the box edge (two-dimensional attachment), providing better adaptability to various package geometries including long, narrow boxes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are used, then security function is achieved, but the devices are expensive and cumbersome to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity functionVSAvoiduser-friendliness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cable component from the security device, eliminating the need for winding and rewinding operations. The seal and tag assembly can be quickly attached and removed without tedious cable manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a cable that must be wound around the package, the invention uses a seal that attaches directly to the box edge, inverting the traditional approach and greatly simplifying the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are used, then security protection is provided, but the devices are difficult to remove without specialized equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The tag assembly incorporates a ratchet mechanism that allows easy attachment but prevents removal without the proper tool, creating a dynamic system that is simple to secure but controlled to open.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal acts as an intermediary component between the box and the tag assembly, providing a controlled interface that requires specialized equipment for removal while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If cable wrap security devices are used, then security function is achieved, but the thick housings make stacking multiple packages inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity functionVSAvoidstacking convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The seal component is designed as a thin, flat element that attaches to the box edge, eliminating the need for thick housings and allowing convenient stacking of multiple packaged items.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 prevents the opening of openable merchandise boxes and ensures reliable security without the drawbacks of traditional cable wrap devices, such as tangling and high costs, by providing a secure and user-friendly mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

the transmitter transmits signals through a detection zone. When an EAS tag enters the zone, the tag responds and creates a signal or a change or disturbance in the original signal transmitted by the transmitter, and the result is detected by the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectronic article surveillance (EAS) detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11037421B2Box edge security device

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 EDGE SECURITY PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A security device is provided that includes a seal and a tag assembly. The seal may be configured to be attached to a merchandise box. The tag assembly may include housing and an electronics assembly disposed within the housing. The housing of the tag assembly may be configured to slide onto the seal via sliding engagement between the housing and the seal.