Magnetic Field Artwork Security System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for protecting valuable objects like artworks and electronics are often costly, bulky, aesthetically undesirable, and pose risks of damage due to battery usage, making them unsuitable for home or small gallery settings where close access is desired.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field-based security system where a magnetic field source is attached to or positioned with the object, and a monitoring device detects alterations in the magnetic field to generate a warning signal when the object is moved, eliminating the need for battery-powered devices and allowing for discreet installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery-powered motion sensing devices are mounted on artworks, then movement detection capability is improved, but the risk of damage from battery leakage and handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery from the monitoring device attached to the artwork, extracting the harmful element while preserving the detection function. The passive magnetic field source eliminates battery leakage risks while the monitoring device with motion sensor maintains movement detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a passive magnetic field as an intermediary between the monitoring device and the artwork. This magnetic field allows the monitoring device to detect movement without requiring direct power connection or physical attachment that would compromise the artwork, solving both detection and safety requirements.
2Reliability
If protective transparent cases are used for artworks, then theft protection is improved, but accessibility and aesthetic enjoyment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical protective case system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of physically enclosing the artwork in a transparent case that limits access, the passive magnetic field source combined with motion sensing provides theft detection while allowing unrestricted viewer access and aesthetic enjoyment.
3Measurement precision
If laser or infrared beam sensors are deployed, then movement detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive passive magnetic field sources (such as magnets or ferromagnetic materials) instead of costly laser or infrared beam systems. These simple magnetic components provide sufficient detection accuracy for artwork protection while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost, making the solution viable for home and small gallery settings.
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
This solution provides effective theft detection without the drawbacks of existing systems, ensuring the object's safety and aesthetics while allowing for close access and use, as it uses passive magnetic sources and discreet monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field source adapted to generate a magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for securing a theft-susceptible movable object at a selected location. A security system is positioned at a selected location for protection of a theft-susceptible movable object. The security system includes a magnetic field source adapted to generate a magnetic field that is positionally-associated with a movable object. A monitoring device includes a magnetic sensor and is adapted for placement proximate to the selected location. The monitoring device is adapted to take one or more measurements of the magnetic field and to detect alteration in the measurements caused by movement of the magnetic field source relative to the monitoring device when the movable object is moved from the selected location. Upon detecting the alteration in the measurements of the magnetic field, the monitoring device is adapted to output an electronic warning signal indicating that the movable object has moved from the selected location.