Solid State Lamp Theft Deterrence Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid state lamps are more prone to theft due to their higher value and longer lifespan compared to traditional lamps, necessitating a solution to prevent or reduce theft opportunities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a theft deterrence mechanism into the lamp design, such as locking pins and a lever system that requires a tool for removal, or a base assembly with permanent connection to a lamp socket, making unauthorized removal difficult.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid state lamps are made more valuable with longer lifespan and higher manufacturing cost, then lamp performance and efficiency are improved, but theft susceptibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a theft deterrence mechanism that proactively prevents unauthorized removal before theft can occur. The locking pins and lever system create a pre-established barrier that requires tools and knowledge to bypass, thereby counteracting the theft susceptibility that arises from the lamp's high value and long lifespan.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a theft deterrence mechanism is added to the lamp base, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The theft deterrence mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: locking pins, lever, and spring. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The locking pins provide the locking function, the lever provides the actuation interface, and the spring provides the return force, thereby preventing unauthorized removal without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the locking pins to the locked position after the lever is actuated. This eliminates the need for additional mechanisms to reset the locking system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective theft prevention.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If locking pins are used to prevent lamp removal, then theft is deterred, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking pins. Instead of requiring direct manipulation of the locking pins themselves, the user interacts with the lever, which then translates this simple action into the movement of multiple locking pins simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism maintains ease of operation while effective theft deterrence.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic state during installation/removal, and back to static when locked. The spring-loaded pins dynamically adjust their position based on the lever actuation, providing ease of operation during legitimate installation while maintaining security during theft attempts.
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
Effectively deters unauthorized removal of solid state lamps by requiring a tool for detachment and preventing easy disconnection from standard lamp sockets, thereby reducing theft risks.
Implementation Method 1
a solid state source of light comprising one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit electromagnetic energy to cause the lamp to produce as a visible output
Data Source
AI summary
A lamp includes a bulb; a light source such as an LED; a lamp base including a connector for providing electricity from a standard lamp socket; and a housing coupled to the lamp base and supporting the bulb in a position to receive electromagnetic energy from the light source. Circuitry connected to receive electricity from the connector of the lamp base provides drive current to the light source. In the examples, each of the lamps also includes a theft deterrence mechanism coupled to the lamp base configured to deter unauthorized removal of the lamp once the lamp base has been inserted into the standard lamp socket to enable lamp operation.