Holder Assembly with Displacement Detection for Shoplifting Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holder assemblies for displaying goods at a point of sale are prone to shoplifting as they often require complex mechanical structures with barrier elements to detect removal frequency, which increase costs and complicate both removal and refilling processes, and may not be suitable for all types of products or consumer preferences.
Innovation Solution
A holder assembly with a displaceable elongated holding member that can be swivelled or pushed to a second position for removal, equipped with electronic detection elements to signal removals, allowing for easy and secure removal of goods while preventing unnoticed theft, and optionally featuring a displacing element that converts force into a displacing force for the holding member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a barrier element is added to detect removal frequency, then shoplifting protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function with the existing barrier element structure. The barrier element serves both its traditional purpose of controlling goods removal and as a trigger for the detection system. The electronic detection element is integrated into the carrier structure, merging multiple functions into a unified system that detects when goods pass the barrier without requiring separate complex detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element is designed to serve multiple functions: it physically controls the removal of goods, acts as a mechanical trigger for the detection system, and its displacement is used to generate detection signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components while maintaining effective shoplifting protection.
2Reliability
If a barrier element is added to detect removal frequency, then shoplifting protection is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function from the physical barrier function. The barrier element maintains its simple physical role of controlling goods removal, while the detection function is handled by separate electronic sensors that detect the barrier's displacement. This segmentation allows the barrier to remain simple and easy to operate while still providing detection capabilities.
3Reliability
If a barrier element is added to detect removal frequency, then shoplifting protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex mechanical detection systems and implements it through simpler electronic detection elements that sense the displacement of the barrier. This extraction allows the use of cost-effective sensors rather than expensive mechanical detection mechanisms, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining detection accuracy.
4Reliability
If a barrier element is added to detect removal frequency, then shoplifting protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electronic detection elements. Instead of using intricate mechanical linkages and moving parts to detect and count goods removal, the system uses electronic sensors to detect the displacement of the barrier element, generating electrical signals that are processed by evaluation logic. This substitution dramatically reduces mechanical complexity while improving reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~2
AI summary
A holder assembly (H) for hanging goods to be displayed at a point of sale comprises: • - at least one elongated holding member (1B) at which goods are to be hanged and to be arranged in a row of goods one behind the other so that the hanging goods may be slid along the at least one elongated member to a removal position at an end of the at least one elongated member where a good may be removed from the at least one elongated holding member; and • - a carrier (2) to which the at least one elongated holding member is mounted and at which an electronic detection element is provided. An electronic detection element of the holder assembly is configured to detect a displacement of the at least one elongated holding member from a first position to a second position for emitting at least one signal.