Flexible Anti-Theft Currency Pack with Modular Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing currency anti-theft devices lack the realism needed to adequately disguise tracking and recovery devices, making them distinguishable from genuine currency packs, which increases the likelihood of theft.
Innovation Solution
A flexible security device with a hollow medial region housing a location tracking assembly, comprising wireless communications, GPS, and power modules, designed to simulate a stack of currency with interconnects allowing flexibility and realistic handling, including a housing that mimics a stack of bills with elastic binding and cushioning for a compliant feel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tracking device is hidden within a currency pack, then tracking capability is improved, but the device becomes distinguishable from genuine currency, reducing realism
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking device is divided into multiple separate modules (GPS module, communication module, power module, antenna module) that are distributed throughout the currency pack. This segmentation allows each module to be small and flexible, enabling the overall device to maintain the thin, flexible profile of genuine currency while still providing complete tracking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) and thin flexible substrates to mount and interconnect the tracking modules. These flexible films allow the device to bend and flex like genuine currency without compromising electrical connections, thereby maintaining realism while enabling tracking functionality.
2Reliability
If rigid modules are used for tracking, then functional reliability is improved, but flexibility is reduced, making the device distinguishable from currency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from rigid to dynamic/flexible connections between modules. Flexible printed circuit boards and elastic interconnects allow the modules to move relative to each other while maintaining electrical connectivity, enabling the device to adapt its shape to match the flexibility of genuine currency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining rigid electronic components (modules) with flexible interconnection materials (FPC, elastic cords). This composite approach allows each module to maintain its functional integrity while the overall assembly achieves the flexibility required to mimic genuine currency.
3Measurement precision
If multiple modules are integrated for tracking, then tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases, reducing ease of concealment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple functional modules within the confined space of the currency pack. The GPS module, communication module, power module, and antenna are arranged in a compact, nested configuration that fits within the thin profile of the currency while maintaining all necessary tracking functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact system. The communication module serves both as a data transmitter and power management interface, the antenna serves multiple communication protocols, and the power module provides power to all components. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity despite having multiple modules.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible security device for tracking and location. The device comprises a flexible housing having a hollow medial region. A location tracking assembly is contained, at least in part, within the hollow region. The location tracking assembly comprises a plurality of modules, including a wireless communications antenna module, a wireless communications electronics module, a global positioning system antenna module, a global positioning system electronics module, and a power module. A plurality of interconnects are configured among the plurality of modules, with one or more of the interconnects having sufficient flexibility to permit relative movement of at least one module relative to an adjacent interconnected module.