Filiform Antitheft Device with Removable Shackle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft devices for over-the-counter items, such as clothing and leather goods, often require piercing the article, which can damage it and are inconvenient for certain types of items like shoes, and existing solutions are either cumbersome or not suitable for the intended use.
Innovation Solution
An anti-theft device with a filiform attachment element that can be locked in a housing, allowing for easy association and dissociation without piercing the article, using a rigid material that requires a specialized tool for removal and featuring a radiofrequency or magneto-acoustic detection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nail-based anti-theft device is used to attach the device to the article, then the device can be securely attached, but the article is pierced and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element is divided into a fixed proximal end and a removable distal end, allowing the device to attach securely without permanently piercing the article. The segmented design enables the distal end to be removed after attachment, avoiding permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element uses different materials for different parts: a rigid material for the proximal end requiring specialized tools for removal, and a more flexible distal end that can be inserted through the article without causing damage.
2Reliability
If a rigid filiform attachment element requiring specialized tools is used, then the device becomes inviolable without tools, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element transitions from a static permanent nail to a dynamic removable component. The distal end can be inserted, locked, and removed using a simple tool, making the system adaptable while maintaining security during the locked state.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the attachment element and the housing, providing secure locking without complex mechanical interlocks. The magnetic field enables reliable attachment while allowing simple tool-based removal.
3Reliability
If the attachment point is imposed by the device type, then the device can be securely attached, but it is inconvenient for certain articles like shoes
Solution Approach 1:
The filiform attachment element can pass through various article types including clothing, shoes, and leather goods. The flexible yet rigid design allows it to accommodate different article shapes and attachment points, making the device universally applicable.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element transitions from a fixed two-dimensional badge shape to a three-dimensional flexible wire that can be configured to match various article geometries, enabling attachment to diverse items like shoes, bags, and clothing.
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 device effectively prevents shoplifting by being easy to use and non-damaging to the protected items, with a secure locking mechanism that is inviolable without specialized tools, making it suitable for various types of articles.
Implementation Method 1
housing the electronic anti-theft system and a locking system capable of retaining the tip of the nail imprisoned... capable of responding to the presence of a magnetic, radio frequency or electromagnetic field for interrogation of an external detection system
Implementation Method 2
capable of responding to the presence of a magnetic, radio frequency or electromagnetic field for interrogation of an external detection system
Implementation Method 3
The locking system of the device comprises a retaining piece made of magnetic material capable of being moved and associated with a spring. By positioning the badge carrying the locking system against the magnet, the creation of a magnetic field around the magnetic retainer and sensitive to this field, generates the attraction of said retainer
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5a~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an antitheft device (1) for a retail article comprising a receiving housing concealed from view, an antitheft detection system and a locking means, as well as an attachment element (3) suitable for being locked in the body of the housing. The device is, in particular, padlock-shaped, the attachment element (3) forming the rigid shackle of the padlock and being suitable for adopting an attachment position by being retained locked by one of the ends thereof (32a) in the body of the housing.