Magnetic Locking Anti-Shoplifting Device for Blister Packs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-shoplifting devices for blister packs are cumbersome to remove, fail to prevent unauthorized opening and removal of products, and are not cost-effective in design and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

An anti-shoplifting device with a sliding mechanism, engagement means, reversible locking system, and magnetic unlocking, allowing easy installation and removal by authorized personnel while preventing unauthorized access, featuring a pin, screw, and spring mechanism for locking and magnetic activation for unlocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing anti-shoplifting devices are used, then product protection is provided, but removal by authorized personnel is cumbersome and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval easeVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic locking mechanism. The magnetic field enables authorized personnel to easily unlock and remove the device by simply bringing a magnet close, eliminating the need for special screwdrivers or complex mechanical tools while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the state of the locking mechanism from mechanically locked to magnetically locked. By using magnetic fields instead of mechanical fasteners, the device transitions between locked and unlocked states through parameter changes in the magnetic field strength, enabling easy removal by authorized personnel with simple magnetic tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing anti-shoplifting devices are used, then some security is provided, but unauthorized opening and product removal is not prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidaccess ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the locking mechanism and the user. This magnetic intermediary enables authorized access through simple magnetic tools while simultaneously preventing unauthorized access, as the magnetic locking mechanism requires specific magnetic field patterns to unlock, providing both security and ease of operation for authorized personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If existing anti-shoplifting devices are used, then security function is provided, but manufacturing cost and component number are high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential security function from complex mechanical systems and isolates it into a simple magnetic locking mechanism. By taking out only the core locking function and implementing it through a magnetic field with minimal components, the device achieves high security reliability while dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple magnetic locking mechanism that can be manufactured at low cost with minimal components. The magnetic system replaces expensive mechanical assemblies, allowing for economical production while maintaining effective security functionality throughout the device's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 is easily fitted and removed by authorized personnel, securely preventing unauthorized access and product removal, with a simple and cost-effective design requiring a low number of components.

Implementation Method 1

said second unlocking position being activated by magnetic means externally applied to said device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic means: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3440292B1Anti-shoplifting device
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 PLASTI MAX
  • EP3440292B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3440292B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3440292B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Anti-shoplifting device for products packaged in blister packs comprising a first shaped body, and a second shaped body slidably coupled to said first shaped body and movable between a first open position and a second closed position, first engagement means positioned on said first shaped body and adapted to engage with a slot arranged on said blister packs, second engagement means positioned on said second shaped body adapted to engage with said first engagement means and adapted to prevent the disengagement of said first engagement means from said slot arranged on said blister pack when said second shaped body is in said second closed position, reversible locking means positioned within said device movable between a first locking position of a relative sliding movement of said first and second shaped body and a second unlocking position of said relative sliding movement of said first and second shaped body, said first locking position being automatically activated when passing from said first open position to said second closed position of said device, said second unlocking position being activated by magnetic means externally applied to said device.