Dual-Mode Antitheft Tag Assembly with Temporary Spike Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing antitheft tags used in retail settings are cumbersome and time-consuming to assemble, posing risks of injury and inefficiency due to the separate handling and assembly of tag bodies and pins, which often result in premature wear and increased logistical challenges.

Innovation Solution

A dual-mode assembly system for antitheft tags, where the spike and tag body can be assembled in two configurations: a protection mode that locks securely and a temporary-assembly mode allowing easy handling and assembly without tools, reducing the need for separate containers and minimizing risk of injury and wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the tag body and pin are transported and stored separately in different containers, then the locking system remains secure and intact, but the assembly operation becomes time-consuming and complex requiring staff to select and assemble parts in the correct sequence

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tag body and pin into a single integrated tag unit that is pre-assembled before delivery to the sales point. The pin is permanently fixed to the tag body through methods such as injection molding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical interlocking, eliminating the need for separate storage and assembly operations while maintaining the security and functionality of the locking system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tag body and pin are pre-assembled into a complete functional unit during manufacturing or packaging, before reaching the sales point. This preliminary assembly action eliminates the need for on-site assembly operations, saving time and reducing complexity while ensuring the locking system is ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the tag body and pin are transported in the same container, then logistics are simplified, but the handling becomes dangerous due to risk of injury from exposed spikes

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the pin with the tag body into a single unit, the patent eliminates the hazard of loose spikes in the container. The pin's spike is permanently attached and cannot detach during handling or transport, maintaining logistical simplicity while removing the safety risk associated with separate pin containers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful exposed spike into a safe integrated feature by permanently attaching it to the tag body. The spike remains functional for its antitheft purpose while being contained within the structured design of the complete tag unit, preventing it from becoming a detached hazard during handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tags in different colorways are used, then product protection options are increased, but the assembly process becomes more complex requiring careful selection and matching of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the color-coded identification features directly into the tag body structure, with each color representing a specific product category or protection level. The pre-assembled nature of the tag ensures that all components including the colored tag body and pin are matched and ready for use, eliminating the need for staff to select and match separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the spike is handled separately during assembly, then the locking mechanism can be properly engaged, but the spike undergoes premature wear and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent integration of the pin to the tag body through methods such as injection molding or mechanical interlocking protects the spike from the wear and damage associated with repeated handling and assembly operations. The spike remains securely positioned and protected within the tag structure, extending its service life while maintaining reliable engagement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10036183B2Assembly for protecting an item of merchandise against theft, which can be assembled in a temporary manner

Publication Date: 2018.07.31

AI summary

Assembly for protecting a product against theft, includes a first part having a spike intended to pass through the product, and a second part provided in a first zone with an orifice for inserting the spike and locking elements to prevent the spike from being withdrawn after insertion. The second part includes at least one second zone for inserting the spike in a plurality of possible positions, the two parts are assembled with one another and kept in two possible modes of assembly. In a first protection mode, the spike is inserted into the orifice of the second part and the locking elements are activated so that a user cannot separate them without a tool; in a second temporary-assembly mode, the spike is inserted into the second zone and held therein in a temporary-assembly position such that a user can separate the two parts from one another without a tool.