Magnetically Releasable EAS Tag Using Segmented Wedge Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional security tags for Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) systems are either expensive and durable for reuse, or inexpensive but not secure enough for single use, failing to meet design constraints effectively.

Innovation Solution

A security tag design that includes a tack retaining system with a steel wedge and rubber spring, allowing for both reusable and single-use configurations, where the tack assembly can be securely attached and detached using a magnetic detaching device, ensuring effective attachment and removal without damaging the tag.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional reusable security tags are designed to be durable enough to withstand continuous attaching and detaching, then the reliability and ease of operation are improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability of security tagVSAvoidcost of security tag

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The security tag is divided into two separate components: a reusable tag body containing the sensor and electronics, and a disposable tack assembly containing the attachment mechanism. This segmentation allows the expensive reusable portion to be separated from the inexpensive disposable portion, resolving the contradiction between durability and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tack assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need to make the entire security tag durable and reusable. This allows the reusable tag body to be more cost-effective while the disposable tack provides the necessary attachment functionality without requiring long-term durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional single-use security tags are designed for one-time attachment, then the cost is reduced, but the security and reliability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost of security tagVSAvoidsecurity of attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the security-critical tag body from the attachment-critical tack assembly, the design allows each component to be optimized for its specific function. The tag body maintains high reliability for security monitoring, while the tack assembly provides secure attachment at lower cost through its disposable nature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the magnetic field and the tack assembly. It translates the magnetic force into mechanical motion that securely releases the tack, ensuring reliable detachment while maintaining security during the attached state. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between low-cost disposable design and high-security requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a magnetic detaching device is used to release the tack assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment processVSAvoiddetaching device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical detachment process is replaced with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic detaching device uses electromagnetic fields to actuate the wedge mechanism, eliminating the need for complex mechanical release mechanisms and simplifying the overall device structure while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates the magnetic field's invisible force into visible mechanical motion for tack release. This intermediary mechanism allows the magnetic field to control the complex wedge-tack interaction without requiring direct magnetic-mechanical coupling, reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution provides a cost-effective and secure attachment and detachment mechanism for security tags, suitable for both reusable and single-use applications, enhancing the security and efficiency of EAS systems in retail environments.

Implementation Method 1

If the monitored item enters the surveillance zone, an alarm may be triggered indicating unauthorized removal of the monitored item from the controlled area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a tack retaining system to include a wedge and a rubber spring arranged to retain a tack assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2059647B1Magnetically releasable electronic article surveillance tag

Publication Date: 2017.06.14 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH

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AI summary

An electronic article surveillance security tag having a magnetically releasable tack retaining system, and. a magnetic detaching device for use wit the electronic article surveillance tag. The tag comprises a housing (114,116) holding a tack retaining system including a wedge (1202R) and a biasing member (1302).