Locking Display Plug for Secure Handset Socket Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft devices for portable electronic products, such as metal cradles, impede operation and prevent assessment of weight and feel, and require multiple designs to fit different devices, while also being vulnerable to unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
An anti-theft device with a plug that engages a standard socket on the product, using a locking mechanism operable only by a security key, and a flexible attachment to a display fixture, allowing secure display without obstructing product operation or requiring multiple designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal cradle is used to secure the handset, then the handset is held securely, but it impedes operation and prevents assessment of weight and feel
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the securing function from a physical cradle that surrounds the handset and relocates it to a plug inserted into an existing socket on the handset. This removes the obstructive cradle structure while maintaining security through the plug-and-lock mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug serves multiple functions: it secures the handset to the display fixture, enables power transmission, and allows information transfer. By utilizing an existing multi-functional socket, the invention avoids adding dedicated security hardware that would obstruct the handset.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cradle is designed to fit different handset designs, then various handsets can be secured, but multiple cradle designs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to interface with a standard socket that is common across different handset models. This universal interface allows a single plug design to secure multiple handset types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cradles.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adapting the securing device to fit different handset shapes (cradle approach), the invention inverts the approach by having the handset's existing socket adapt to a standardized plug design. This reverses the adaptation burden from the security device to the product's existing infrastructure.
3Ease of operation
If a plug is used instead of a cradle, then operation is unimpeded, but the plug must be small and lightweight to avoid obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential securing function into a minimal plug structure, removing all unnecessary material that would add weight or cause obstruction. The plug contains only the insertable portion, locking configuration, and control mechanism needed for security.
4Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized removal, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the plug itself, making the plug self-securing. The insertable portion has an inherent locking configuration that engages with the socket, and the control mechanism is built into the plug body, eliminating the need for external locking components.
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-theft device, for securing an electronic product during retail display, having a socket for the transmission of power and/or information during normal operation, and a plug for engagement with the socket. The plug has an insertable portion, for insertion into the socket, with a lock to prevent removal while locked. The insertable portion also has a release enabling for withdrawal of the insertable portion. The plug has a control mechanism for holding the lock when the plug is engaged with the socket, the lock can be changed from a locking to release configuration by operation of a security key. The device also includes a flexible attachment for attaching the plug to a fixture. In one case the insertable portion includes a pin with an expandable tip for locking the pin to the socket. The flexible attachment may include conductive wires and be joined to an additional electric connector.