Housing-Supported Tamper Detection Arm for Fastener-Free Installation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tamper detection mechanisms require direct coupling to a mounting surface via a fastener, which complicates installation and increases the risk of installer error, thereby reducing efficiency and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A tamper detection mechanism that supports a tamper switch and an actuation arm at different locations on a housing, allowing detection of removal without direct coupling to the mounting surface, eliminating the need for a fastener and simplifying installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fastener is used to directly couple the tamper mechanism to the mounting surface, then the tamper detection function can be achieved, but the installation complexity increases and the risk of installer error increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tamper mechanism with the housing by supporting the actuation arm at the housing itself rather than requiring separate fastening to the mounting surface. The actuation arm is supported at the housing at each of a tamper switch engaged position and a tamper switch released position, integrating the detection function into the housing structure and eliminating the need for additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions: it protects the internal components and simultaneously supports the actuation arm for tamper detection. By making the housing bear the dual role of protection and mechanical support for the detection mechanism, the patent eliminates the need for separate fastening components and simplifies installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a fastener is used to affix the tamper mechanism to the mounting surface, then the tamper detection function is enabled, but the cost increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tamper mechanism with the housing by supporting the actuation arm at the housing itself rather than requiring separate fastening to the mounting surface. The actuation arm is supported at the housing at each of a tamper switch engaged position and a tamper switch released position, integrating the detection function into the housing structure and eliminating the need for additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the tamper mechanism design by utilizing the housing's existing structural support capability. Instead of adding fasteners, the solution removes the need for separate coupling components by leveraging the housing itself as the support structure for the actuation arm.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the actuation arm is directly coupled to the mounting surface via a fastener, then the tamper detection mechanism can function, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the tamper mechanism with the housing by supporting the actuation arm at the housing itself rather than requiring separate fastening to the mounting surface. The actuation arm is supported at the housing at each of a tamper switch engaged position and a tamper switch released position, integrating the detection function into the housing structure and eliminating the need for additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4260302B1Tamper detection

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 RESIDEO LLC

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AI summary

A device includes a housing, atamper switch supported at the housing, and an actuation arm supported at the housing. The actuation arm includes an actuation column. The actuation arm is movable between a tamper switch engaged position and a tamper switch released position. In the tamper switch engaged position, the actuation column contacts the tamper switch and the actuation arm is at a first angle relative to the tamper switch. In the tamper switch released position, the actuation column is spaced apart from the tamper switch and the actuation arm is at a second angle relative to the tamper switch. The second angle is different than the first angle.