Calibratable Lock EAS Tag Magnetic Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
High Gauss magnetic release locks for EAS tags face issues with inaccurate ferro-magnetic spring tolerance, leading to inconsistent release with varying magnetic Detachers, and ferro-magnetic springs bending under strong magnetic fields, causing damage and inefficiency in checkout processes.
Innovation Solution
A calibratable high Gauss magnetic lock design featuring steel ball bearings, a polyacetal polyoxymethylene ball basket, a non-magnetic conical ball cage, a phosphor bronze spring, and a low-tolerance ferro-magnetic calibration washer, which precisely adjusts the ferro-magnetic traction force to ensure accurate release across different magnetic flux strengths, minimizing the need for manual manipulation and reducing ferro-magnetic content to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ferro-magnetic spring is used in high Gauss magnetic locks, then the lock can be released by magnetic Detachers, but the spring has high tolerance variability causing inconsistent release across different Detachers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the ferro-magnetic spring from the lock mechanism entirely. Instead, it uses non-ferro-magnetic springs (phosphor bronze or stainless steel) that do not interact with magnetic fields, eliminating the source of tolerance variability. The ferro-magnetic elements are restricted to only the ball bearings and calibration washer, which are precisely controlled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the spring from ferro-magnetic to non-ferro-magnetic (phosphor bronze or stainless steel), fundamentally altering its magnetic properties. This eliminates the interaction between the spring and magnetic field, removing the tolerance issue associated with ferro-magnetic spring variability across different manufacturing batches and Detacher strengths.
2Reliability
If a strong magnetic flux Detacher is used to release high Gauss locks, then the lock releases effectively, but the tag gets stuck to the Detacher surface requiring extra force that damages sensitive fabrics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of strong magnetic attraction into a beneficial calibration system. The ferro-magnetic calibration washer is precisely sized and positioned to create a controlled magnetic bridge that allows the lock to release at a specific Gauss threshold. This prevents excessive attraction forces that would damage fabrics while ensuring reliable release at the intended magnetic flux level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent precisely controls the magnetic properties by using a calibration washer with specific dimensions and material composition. This calibration element adjusts the magnetic circuit parameters to optimize the release point, ensuring that the magnetic flux required for release does not create excessive holding force that would damage sensitive fabrics during removal.
3Strength
If ferro-magnetic springs are used in high Gauss locks, then the lock provides strong holding force, but the springs bend under strong magnetic fields causing operational failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ferro-magnetic property from the spring component entirely, replacing it with non-ferro-magnetic materials (phosphor bronze or stainless steel). This eliminates the magnetic interaction that causes bending and deformation under strong magnetic fields, while the spring's mechanical properties continue to provide the necessary holding force through elastic deformation alone.
4Force
If multiple ferro-magnetic components are used in the lock, then the lock provides strong magnetic interaction, but the total ferro-magnetic content increases causing excessive attraction to Detacher surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes excess ferro-magnetic components from the lock assembly. Only the essential ferro-magnetic elements (ball bearings and calibration washer) are retained, while all other components are made non-ferro-magnetic. This minimizes the total ferro-magnetic content to the absolute minimum required for lock functionality, preventing excessive attraction to the Detacher surface that would make tag removal difficult and potentially damaging.
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 ensures precise and reliable release of EAS tags across a wide range of magnetic Detachers, eliminating the need for manual wiggling and reducing the force required for removal, thereby enhancing security and minimizing damage to sensitive fabrics.
Implementation Method 1
a non-ferrous spring of an alloy such as phosphor bronze used to push upwards the ball basket inside the ball cage
Implementation Method 2
one ferro-magnetic element such as, but not limited to, a steel washer with very low magnetic tolerances to precisely calibrate the total ferro-magnetic traction force
Implementation Method 3
one ferro-magnetic element such as, but not limited to, a steel washer with very low magnetic tolerances to precisely calibrate the total ferro-magnetic traction force
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a high Gauss magnetic lock comprising at least one high grade steel ball-bearing but typically 3 or 4 ball bearings, one generally non-ferrous ball basket that will carry and hold in a specific position the ball-bearing(s), at least one non-ferrous spring, one ferrous calibrating high precision element, and one generally non-ferrous and conical ball cage where the ball basket will evolve up and down pushed by the spring and pulled down by a magnetic field.