Capacitive Security Envelope with Self-Adhesive Conductive Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security devices for monitoring object accessibility during transfer and storage are complex, expensive, prone to electrical malfunctions, and lack versatility in accommodating objects of varying dimensions.

Innovation Solution

A flexible security device featuring a conductive fabric envelope with self-adhesive conductive tracks that form a capacitor, allowing for capacitive monitoring of the envelope's opening and closure, integrated with RF communication for remote surveillance and robust construction for harsh environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional security devices with multiple electrical connections are used, then monitoring functionality is achieved, but device complexity and risk of electrical malfunction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical malfunction riskVSAvoidelectrical connections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the adhesive function from separate electrical connections and integrates it directly into the conductive tracks themselves. The conductive tracks are provided with self-adhesive properties, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers or additional electrical connections, thereby reducing complexity and potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple functions into the conductive tracks: electrical conduction, adhesion, and positioning. By combining the adhesive function with the electrical conductive function in a single integrated component, the device reduces the number of separate elements and connections required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-dimensional security envelopes are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different object sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveobject size accommodationVSAvoidenvelope production
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic, flexible conductive tracks that can be adapted to different envelope shapes and sizes. The tracks are designed to conform to various geometries while maintaining their self-adhesive properties, allowing the same manufacturing process to produce envelopes of different dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The self-adhesive conductive track design creates a universal component that can be applied to envelopes of various sizes and shapes. The same track design and attachment method works across different product variants, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.

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

3Strength

If conductive tracks without self-adhesive properties are used, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but closure reliability and resistance to opening is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure reliabilityVSAvoidadhesive layers
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the adhesive function with the electrical conductive function in a single integrated component. The conductive tracks themselves possess self-adhesive properties, eliminating the need for separate adhesive layers and reducing overall device complexity while improving closure reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive tracks are designed to be self-adhesive, meaning they possess their own adhesion capability without requiring external adhesive materials. This self-service approach allows the tracks to securely attach to the envelope surface while maintaining electrical conductivity, reducing complexity and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides reliable, cost-effective, and versatile monitoring of object accessibility with reduced electrical connections, capable of accommodating various object sizes and ensuring secure tracking through capacitive detection and remote communication, while withstanding harsh conditions.

Implementation Method 1

at least one of which is provided with at least one layer self-adhesive conductive track

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

acting by a capacitive effect generated by the contact of two tracks facing each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP2144208B1Security device to monitor the access to an object
Publication Date: 2011.03.09 CORTEUS
  • EP2144208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2144208B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP2144208B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device has a flexible envelope (1) with a mesh (2) made of a flexible high resistant plastic wire and a flexible conductor wire that is surrounded by a flexible insulating sleeve. Closing units (6) close an opening (5) of the envelope, and have opposite conductor tracks. Control units control the continuity of the conductor wire and position change of the tracks, and act under capacitive effect generated by the contact of the tracks. A flexible resistant layer (12) e.g. thick paper or plastic layer, is applied on an external surface of the mesh.