Disposable EAS Keeper Structure for Self-Checkout Retail Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic article surveillance (EAS) keepers for high-value goods face issues such as visibility reduction due to scratches, accumulation of dirt, increased volume, labor intensity, incompatibility with self-checkouts, and vulnerability to removal by shoplifters, among others, leading to reduced sales and increased theft.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, rigid or flexible Keeper with semi-sharp teeth and a detachable frame, featuring a transparent adhesive support and integrated EAS or RFID labels, designed to attach partially over the product, preventing easy removal and enhancing security without additional volume, compatible with self-checkouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional EAS adhesive labels are used, then shoplifting prevention is reduced, but product visibility and checkout efficiency are maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is divided into two separate components: a reusable Keeper device that provides the EAS security function, and a disposable adhesive label that provides product identification and checkout functionality. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without interfering with the other, maintaining product visibility while ensuring security.
Solution Approach 2:
The security function is extracted from the adhesive label and placed into a separate Keeper device. This extraction allows the adhesive label to remain transparent and non-obtrusive, while the Keeper provides robust security tracking and alarm capabilities independently.
2Reliability
If Keepers are made larger to encase Hard Goods, then security coverage is improved, but display space and sales revenue decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into a compact Keeper device and a separate adhesive label system. The Keeper can be sized appropriately for the product without needing to fully encase it, as the adhesive label provides the primary product coverage and identification. This allows smaller, less obtrusive Keepers that maintain security while preserving display space.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive label serves multiple functions: product identification, barcode scanning, and partial security coverage. This multi-functionality reduces the burden on the Keeper device, allowing it to be smaller while still providing effective security through the combined system.
3Illumination intensity
If Keepers are made transparent, then product visibility is improved, but durability against scratches and dirt accumulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visibility function is assigned to the adhesive label which can be made transparent and disposed of after use, while the Keeper device can be made more durable with scratch-resistant materials. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its properties without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive label is designed as a disposable component that can be transparent and aesthetic during use, then discarded after checkout. This eliminates the need for long-term durability in the transparent covering, as it is replaced rather than reused.
4Reliability
If Keepers include locking mechanisms, then security against removal is improved, but labor intensity and checkout complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking mechanism is replaced with an electronic security system using EAS tags and RFID technology. The Keeper device contains electronic components that communicate with security gates and checkout systems, eliminating the need for manual locking and unlocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic security system automatically tracks the Keeper device through the store and at checkout, eliminating the need for manual intervention to lock or unlock. The system self-manages the security state based on purchase transactions.
5Ease of operation
If Keepers are removed at point of sale, then security function is deactivated, but product visibility and customer access improve
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into a reusable Keeper device and a disposable adhesive label. At checkout, only the adhesive label needs to be removed or deactivated, while the Keeper device remains attached to the product for continued security protection. This segmentation allows customer access without compromising long-term security.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive label is discarded after use at checkout, while the Keeper device is recovered and reused for continued security protection. This allows the security function to persist while the temporary access component is disposed of.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed an improved disposable keeper that has no locking or unlocking mechanism and which is of a reduced size. The keeper may comprise a rigid or flexible casing that substantially corresponds to the shape of a product and adapted to cover at least one portion of one side of the product but not fully enclosing the product; a security element or a non-EAS printed label attached to the casing and adapted to be inaccessible to a consumer when the keeper is attached to the product; and a flexible adhesive support attached to the casing and adapted to wrap around the product or a double sided adhesive support to attach the Keeper to a product. Additionally, keepers are disclosed which attach by a two-sided adhesive to a product and which if removed will damage the product packaging and detrimentally effect the resale of the product.