Magnet-Based Cable Security Device with Pin Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Retailers face the challenge of securing expensive electronic gadgets against theft while allowing customers to interact with them, requiring a secure yet easily removable electrical connection that also ensures consumer safety.
Innovation Solution
A magnet-based security device with a boot and base configuration, featuring a pin and biasing element that can be released using a magnet key, allowing for quick disconnection and reconnection of electrical contacts, and incorporating an alarm module for theft detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a secure electrical connection is used to prevent theft, then security against unauthorized tampering is improved, but the ability to quickly disconnect and reconnect is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A magnet key serves as an intermediary tool that enables authorized personnel to quickly release the security device. The magnet key interacts with a magnet embedded in the device to retract the pin, providing a simple and fast release mechanism without compromising the security of the electrical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnet-based release system. The magnet interacts with a ferromagnetic pin to retract it from the locking position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical keys or tools while maintaining security and enabling quick release
2Reliability
If a threaded boot-receptacle connection is used, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but the complexity of the device is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is nested within the boot, and the magnet is embedded within the boot or base structure. This nested arrangement allows the components to be compact and integrated, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the security function through the threaded connection and pin mechanism
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
The device effectively secures the electrical connection against unauthorized tampering while enabling authorized personnel to easily disconnect and reconnect, ensuring both theft prevention and consumer safety with immediate alarm notification upon interruption.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet key is used to retract the pin from the channel, thereby releasing the boot
Implementation Method 2
The magnet key produces a magnetic field sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing element when the magnet key abuts a top surface of the boot
Implementation Method 3
A biasing element may be used to urge the pin into an extended position in which the pin protrudes outside the boot. The biasing element may be a spring, a permanent magnet, a polymer member, a biasing tine, or a combination thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A security device for securing a male contact of a cable plug within a female port. A base has a receptacle configured to receive a boot. The base and the boot house a female and a male electric contacts. The boot and the receptacle have complimentary threads enabling the boot to be screwed into the receptacle. A movable pin resides within the boot. The receptacle has a channel adapted to receive the pin. The pin and the channel align when the boot is fully screwed into the receptacle, and the pin enters the channel, thereby securing the boot within the receptacle. In this configuration, the male contact is within the female port. A magnet key is used to retract the pin to release the boot.