Locking Unit with Segmented Cable Loop and Remote Alarm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing theft alarm devices do not effectively secure personal belongings to immovable structures and fail to remotely alert owners of potential thefts when the cables are forcibly removed.
Innovation Solution
A theft alarm device comprising a locking unit with a first and second cable attached to a housing and a lock, where the second cable is releasably attachable to the lock to form a closed loop, and an alarm unit integrated into the housing that triggers an alert when the second cable is forcibly removed, with remote communication capabilities to notify the owner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional electronic lock attaches only to a vehicle, then the lock structure is simple, but it cannot securely secure personal belongings to immovable structures
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into separate functional components: a first cable attached to the housing, a second cable attached to the lock, and a locking mechanism that engages the second cable. This segmentation allows the lock to be attached to immovable structures while maintaining simplicity in each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed with dual functionality: it can secure personal belongings to immovable structures (such as railings, poles, or fixed structures) while also being compatible with vehicle mounting. The housing, cables, and locking mechanism are configured to work with both attachment scenarios, enhancing versatility without requiring separate lock designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the alarm unit provides local audible alert only, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot remotely notify owners when away from the scene
Solution Approach 1:
A communication module serves as an intermediary between the alarm unit and the owner's electronic device. When the alarm is triggered, the communication module transmits the alarm signal through a network (cellular, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication) to the owner's smartphone or electronic device, enabling remote notification without requiring the owner to be physically present at the scene.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical alarm system is enhanced with electronic communication capabilities. Instead of relying solely on local audible alerts, the system uses electronic signals transmitted through communication networks to notify the owner remotely, replacing the purely mechanical alarm function with an integrated electronic communication system.
3Reliability
If the lock uses a single cable design, then the manufacturing process is simple, but it cannot form a secure closed loop for preventing theft
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses two separate cables: a first cable attached to the housing and a second cable attached to the lock. This segmentation allows each cable to be manufactured and assembled independently, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling the formation of a secure closed loop when the second cable is threaded through the locking mechanism and engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The first cable is pre-attached to the housing during manufacturing, and the locking mechanism is pre-configured to receive the second cable. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the final assembly is completed, the closed loop is already formed and ready for securing personal belongings, reducing the complexity of the final assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A theft alarm locking unit device includes a personal electronic device in wireless communication with an extrinsic communication network. A locking unit is included which comprises a first cable and a second cable each attached to a housing and a lock attached to the first cable. The second cable is releasably attachable to the lock such that the locking unit forms a closed loop for securing a personal belonging to an immovable structure thereby protecting the personal belonging from theft. An alarm unit is integrated into the housing and the alarm unit is triggered when the second cable is forcibly removed from the lock to audibly alert an owner that the personal belonging is in danger of being stolen. The alarm unit is in remote communication with the personal electronic device to notify the owner of the potential theft when the owner is not near the alarm unit.