Conductive Asset Attachment Structure for Circuit Break Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic asset retention systems fail to accurately detect when a key or asset is removed from a retention device by simply cutting the ring, as the system still recognizes the device as coupled, even though the asset has been taken.

Innovation Solution

An asset retention device with a housing and an asset attachment structure that forms an electrical circuit, using conductive materials and an identifying chip, which breaks the circuit if tampered with, allowing the main console to detect the removal and trigger alerts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the asset retention device uses a simple mechanical coupling mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the system cannot detect when the asset is removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mechanical asset attachment structure with an electrical circuit system into a single integrated device. The conductive asset attachment structure serves dual purposes: mechanically securing the asset and electrically completing the circuit for detection, eliminating the need for separate sensing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces pure mechanical detection methods with an electrical detection system. Instead of using complex mechanical sensors to detect asset removal, the system uses electrical continuity through the conductive attachment structure to trigger detection, substituting mechanical sensing with electrical field-based detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the asset attachment structure is made secure and difficult to remove, then asset security is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasset securityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter of the asset attachment structure from ordinary non-conductive material to conductive material. This single parameter change provides both the mechanical strength needed for secure retention and the electrical conductivity needed for circuit completion and detection, simplifying manufacturing while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors the electrical circuit, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic or event-triggered monitoring of the electrical circuit rather than continuous monitoring. The system checks circuit continuity at specific intervals or when changes are detected, maintaining high detection accuracy while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the monitoring system dormant during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Ensures secure retention of assets by detecting any attempt to remove them through a broken circuit, triggering alarms and logging the incident, thereby preventing unauthorized removal and enhancing security.

Implementation Method 1

an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the end portion and the associated electrical contacts of the housing, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9165442B2Asset retention device for an asset retention system

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 MARCON INT INC

AI summary

The present invention provides an asset retention device, including: a housing including a base portion and an end portion, wherein the base portion and the end portion each include electrical contacts; and an asset attachment structure securely coupled to the end portion and the associated electrical contacts of the housing, thereby completing an electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing; wherein, if the continuity of the asset attachment structure is broken, the electrical circuit through the asset attachment structure and the housing is broken. The base portion of the housing is configured to be selectively coupled to a main console, such that the electrical circuit is present through the asset attachment structure, the housing, the base portion of the housing, and the main console. The main console includes a controller/processor operable for detecting a break in the continuity of the asset attachment structure and the associated electrical circuit.