Ball-and-Socket Security Tag with Compact Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security tags are cumbersome and detract from the aesthetic of high-end merchandise, forcing retailers to choose between security and appearance.
Innovation Solution
A compact ball and socket security tag with an elongate member and a selectively removable locking mechanism, allowing the tag to be attached without obstructing the article's design and enabling easy visibility of additional labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security tags are used to secure high-end merchandise, then security protection is provided, but the aesthetic appearance of the article is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The security tag is divided into separate functional components: a compact housing containing the EAS sensor, an elongate member for attachment, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the housing being small enough not to obstruct the article's design while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The security tag utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by positioning the EAS sensor within a compact housing that can be attached to various surfaces of the article. The elongate member extends in one dimension while the housing occupies minimal space in all dimensions, allowing the tag to provide security without obstructing the article's aesthetic appearance from any viewing angle.
2Shape
If a compact security tag design is used, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but the complexity of attachment and locking mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the elongate member, forming an integrated assembly where the locking component is part of the attachment structure. This reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the attachment process while maintaining the compact housing design that preserves aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through simple user actions. The cap rotates to engage or disengage the locking mechanism automatically, and the tag can be removed by pulling the elongate member, which triggers the locking mechanism to release without requiring additional steps or complex operations.
3Reliability
If the security tag obstructs the article design, then security is ensured, but additional price labels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The housing of the security tag is designed with a flat surface that can serve dual purposes: containing the EAS sensor and displaying price information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate price labels, as the housing itself can bear pricing and product information, reducing the quantity of additional labels required while maintaining security protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An article security device that is selectively removable from an article, the article security device may include a security tag and an elongate member movably connected with the security tag and having an elongate member first end and a elongate member second end. The elongate member may be configured to contain or to be contained by at least a portion of the article. The security device may further include a selectively removable locking member that is configured to connect to the elongate member second end to enable the security device to be selectively removable from the article, wherein the selectively removable locking member includes a locking mechanism having a locked position relative to the elongate member second end and an unlocked position relative to the elongate member second end.