Circular Lock Assembly With Slider Tab for Retail Rail Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lock assemblies for securing products on display racks are either too complex, costly, or inefficient in preventing theft and misplacement, failing to provide a simple, economical, and effective solution for retailers to reduce inventory shrinkage.
Innovation Solution
A circular lock assembly with a front housing, slider assembly, and cover plate assembly that includes a locking ramp and spring mechanism, allowing for easy mounting and unmounting without tools, minimizing locking and unlocking time, and being volumetrically efficient, durable, and inexpensive to manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock assembly with multiple components (lock housing, actuating housing, rail assembly) is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lock housing, actuating housing, and rail assembly into a single integrated circular lock assembly. The housing forms a continuous circular structure that integrates multiple functions: the locking mechanism is built into the circular perimeter, the actuating mechanism is contained within the same housing, and the rail assembly is integrated with the circular structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular lock assembly is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it provides locking security, allows tool-free mounting and unmounting, enables rapid locking and unlocking operations, and maintains volumetric efficiency. The circular housing serves both as the structural frame and as the locking interface, while the integrated actuating mechanism provides both security locking and quick-release capabilities.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then theft prevention is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex locking procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly incorporates a dynamic actuating mechanism that allows rapid transition between locked and unlocked states. The actuating housing can be quickly manipulated to engage or disengage the locking tabs from the rail assembly notches. This dynamic design enables store personnel to quickly lock products onto display racks and rapidly unlock them for retrieval, maintaining security while enabling fast operation.
3Reliability
If a durable and secure lock assembly is designed, then reliability improves, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circular lock assembly is designed as a modular unit with distinct functional segments: the circular housing, the locking tabs, the actuating mechanism, and the rail assembly components. Each segment can be manufactured separately using standardized processes and then assembled into the complete lock assembly. This segmentation allows for efficient manufacturing of individual components while maintaining the overall durability and security of the integrated system.
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 circular lock assembly effectively secures products on display racks by preventing removal of packaging, is easy to use, and cost-effective, while being durable and efficient in operation, addressing the inefficiencies of existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The lock includes a lock housing and an actuating housing. The lock housing includes a rear notch, an internal notch that houses a spring and a locking tab
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly having a front housing with a locking member. The front housing houses a spring. A slider assembly has a locking ramp. The locking ramp is engaged by the locking member when the slider assembly is in a locked configuration. A cover plate assembly has a transversal opening. The transversal opening receives a transversal member of a rail assembly when the slider assembly is in an unlocked configuration. The slider assembly has a locking tab that blocks the transversal opening when the slider assembly is in the locked configuration. Thus, securing the transversal member to prevent removal of packaging suspended from the rail assembly. A key inserted into a keyhole, is rotated to cause the locking ramp to disengage from the locking member to place the slider assembly is in the unlocked configuration.