Jack Plug Anti-Theft Device with Key-Operated Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft devices for portable electronic products, such as mobile telecommunications handsets, often impede operation and obstruct assessment of weight and feel due to their design, requiring multiple cradles for different devices and using locking mechanisms that can be difficult to secure without damaging the product.
Innovation Solution
A jack plug with a flexible attachment and a security key-operated locking mechanism that engages with a standard jack socket, allowing secure attachment without obstructing the product's operation and allowing potential buyers to assess its weight and feel, while preventing unauthorized removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cradle is used to securely hold the handset, then the security against theft is improved, but the operation of the handset is impeded and the weight and feel cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the security function from a physical cradle that surrounds the handset and relocates it to a plug that connects to an existing jack socket. This removes the obstructive cradle structure while preserving the security function through a minimalist plug attachment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the existing jack socket, which serves multiple purposes (audio output, charging, data transfer), for the additional function of security attachment. This eliminates the need for dedicated security hardware that would obstruct handset operation.
2Reliability
If a cradle is designed to securely hold different handset designs, then the security is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple cradles
Solution Approach 1:
The jack socket standard provides universal compatibility across different handset models and manufacturers. A single plug design can secure multiple handset types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cradles while maintaining security effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The security device is segmented into a universal plug component that attaches to the standard jack socket and a flexible attachment component. This segmentation allows the security mechanism to be model-agnostic while maintaining adaptability to different display configurations.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to secure the plug to the socket, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates requiring difficult to secure mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through a spring-loaded or snap-fit system that automatically engages when the plug is inserted into the socket. This eliminates the need for complex manual locking operations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded locking element acts as an intermediary between the plug and socket, providing automatic engagement and secure attachment without requiring complex user interaction. The spring mechanism mediates the connection, ensuring both security and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
An anti-theft device is used for securing an electronic product (94) during retail display. The electronic product (94) has a socket (96) adapted for the transmission of power and/or information during normal operation of the electronic product (94). The anti-theft device comprises a plug (10) for engagement with the socket (96). The plug has an insertable portion, such as a pin (14), for insertion into the socket (96). The insertable portion (14) has a locking configuration (Figure 3) for locking of the insertable portion (14) within the socket (96) to prevent removal of the insertable portion (14) from the socket (96) while the insertable portion (14) is in the locking configuration. The insertable portion (14) also has a release configuration (Figure 2) for withdrawal of the insertable portion (14) from the socket (96). The plug (10) has a control mechanism (18, 31) for holding the insertable portion (14) in the locking configuration such that when the plug (10) is engaged with the socket (96), the configuration of the insertable portion (14) can be changed from the locking configuration to the release configuration substantially only by operation of the control mechanism (18, 31) by a security key (80). The anti-theft device also includes a flexible attachment (12) for attaching the plug (10) to a fixture.