Magnetic Lock Assembly for Reusable Security Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security tags for electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems are either too expensive for reuse or not economical and secure enough for single-use applications, and they face challenges when applied to small items like jewelry and accessories, requiring a solution that is reusable, cost-effective, secure, and easy to attach and detach without harming the tag.
Innovation Solution
A security tag with a housing containing electronic sensors, an accessory pin, and a magnetically influenced (MI) lock assembly that can be moved between locked and unlocked positions using a magnetic field, allowing secure attachment and detachment to accessories without damaging the tag, and can be made reusable or single-use depending on the implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reusable security tags are made durable enough to withstand continuous attaching and detaching, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security tag is divided into two main segments: a durable reusable housing containing the EAS sensors, and a disposable accessory pin with lock assembly. The housing can be repeatedly attached and detached, while the accessory pin is replaced when worn, separating the investment in durability from the consumable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory pin is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, while the expensive housing with electronic sensors is recovered and reused. This allows the system to maintain high reliability in the reusable portion while keeping individual unit costs lower through selective replacement of only the worn accessory pin.
2Ease of manufacture
If security tags are made for single use, then cost is reduced, but reliability and security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tag into reusable housing and disposable accessory pin, the system achieves both cost reduction and maintained security. The housing with EAS sensors provides continuous security performance, while the accessory pin can be replaced rather than the entire tag, reducing costs.
3Ease of operation
If security tags are made small for jewelry and accessories, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical lock assembly is replaced with a magnetic field-based release mechanism. The accessory pin contains a magnet that interacts with a ferromagnetic element in the housing, allowing attachment through magnetic attraction and release through a detacher magnet, eliminating complex mechanical springs, latches, and moving parts.
4Ease of operation
If accessory pin uses magnetic field for release, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic release mechanism uses readily available magnet strengths and ferromagnetic materials that provide sufficient holding force without requiring extreme manufacturing precision. The detacher magnet simply needs to generate a field strong enough to overcome the attachment force, which can be achieved with standard magnetic components and tolerances.
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, secure, and easy-to-use security tag that can be reused without damaging the tag, suitable for various items, including small accessories, offering improved security and ease of use compared to existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The MI member moves from the relaxed position to the biased position when exposed to a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The MI member moves from the biased position to the relaxed position in the absence of the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A security tag (100) is provided that includes a housing (102), an electric sensor held within the housing (102), an accessory pin (104) provided within the housing (102) and a lock assembly (231) held within the housing (102). The accessory pin (104) is provided with the tag housing (102). The accessory pin (104) may be moveable with respect to the housing (102). For example, the accessory pin (104) may be moved between a locked and an unlocked positions. The accessory pin (104) may be configured to secure to an accessory (302). When the accessory pin (104) is in the locked position, the tag housing (102) is secured to the accessory (302). When the accessory pin (104) is in the unlocked position, the tag housing (102) is disengaged from the accessory (302). By moving the pin between the locked and unlocked positions, respectively, the tag housing (102) may be engaged and disengaged with the accessory (302). The lock assembly (231) may have a magneticall influenced (MI) member (236). The MI member (236) has a relaxed position and a biased position. The MI member (236) moves from the relaxed position to the biased position when exposed to a select magnetic field to unlock the accessory pin (104). The MI member (236) moves from the biased position to the relaxed position in the absence of the selected magnetic field to lock the accessory pin (104).