EAS Tag with Slidable Cover and Magnetic Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags face limitations in versatility, as they are often specific to either pin-based or lanyard-based attaching elements, and lack effective mechanisms to prevent unauthorized battery removal, restricting their application and security efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The development of an EAS tag with a body featuring dual pin openings and a slidable battery compartment, secured by magnetic locks, allowing for easy battery replacement and prevention of unauthorized removal, and accommodating both pin-based and lanyard attachments with adjustable lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin based attaching element is used, then the EAS tag can be securely attached to articles, but the merchant cannot adjust the attachment configuration for different products
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching element is divided into separate components: a pin portion for insertion and a lanyard wire portion for flexibility. This segmentation allows the pin to provide secure attachment while the lanyard wire provides adjustability for different product configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching element transitions from a rigid fixed-structure to a flexible dynamic structure. The lanyard wire allows the attaching element to adapt its configuration dynamically based on the specific product being attached, while the pin maintains secure attachment
2Device complexity
If a fixed length lanyard wire is used, then the EAS tag structure is simplified, but the merchant has no means for adjusting the length for different products
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching element serves multiple functions: it provides secure attachment through the pin portion, allows length adjustment through the flexible lanyard wire portion, and can be used with both pin-based and lanyard-based attachment systems. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between simplified structure and length adjustability
3Ease of manufacture
If the EAS tag is designed for specific attaching elements, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the EAS tag cannot be used for both pin based and lanyard wire attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The EAS tag body is designed with an opening that is slightly larger than the pin diameter, providing excessive clearance. This allows the same opening to accommodate both rigid pins and flexible lanyard wires, achieving compatibility with different attaching elements while maintaining a simplified single-piece body structure
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 EAS tag provides enhanced security by ensuring battery integrity and adaptability to various article types, enabling secure attachment and detection systems that prevent theft while allowing for easy battery replacement and adjustable attachment configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic locking mechanism prevents unauthorized removal of the pin
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic article sur- veillance tag (115) that comprises a body (205) provided with a battery compartment (1101) for holding a battery (1102). The body (205) comprises a first opening (210) through which an end of a first pin (220, 250) can be in- serted inside the body (205) and releasably locked therein by a first locking mechanism (405). The electronic article surveillance tag (115) further comprises a slidable cover (1103) for closing the battery compartment (1101). The slidable cover (1103) comprises a second opening (1105) that is aligned with the first opening (210) when the slida- ble cover (1103) is in a closed position. The present inven- tion also relates to an alarm system (100) for a facility (105).