Automated Security Tag Detachment via Magnetic Field Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retail systems lack a method for customers to authorize the detachment of security tags attached to purchased items using mobile shopping apps or self-checkout solutions, leading to alarms being triggered at store exits.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a system that uses wireless SRC technologies, such as NFC, IR, Wi-Fi, RFID, or ZigBee, in conjunction with a tag detacher that employs a novel pin head removal technique or conventional probe method to automatically detach security tags from articles, allowing for secure and authorized removal without triggering alarms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If conventional probe method is used to detach security tags, then the detachment function is achieved, but the system complexity and manual operation requirement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated tag detachmentVSAvoiddetaching unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical probe-based detachment system with a magnetic field-based detachment system. The detacher uses a magnet to interact with the EAS element's magnetic properties, eliminating the need for complex mechanical probe mechanisms and enabling automated detachment without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detachment mechanism from mechanical contact to magnetic field interaction. By utilizing the magnetic properties of the EAS element and applying a magnetic field through the detacher, the system achieves detachment through parameter change (magnetic field strength) rather than mechanical force, simplifying the device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If manual security tag detachment is used, then the detachment function is achieved, but the processing speed and productivity decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheckout speedVSAvoidmanual operation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the detacher to automatically perform the detachment function without requiring manual operation. The system self-activates when the detacher contacts or approaches the security tag, using the magnetic interaction to automatically release the tag, thereby increasing checkout speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing manual mechanical detachment with automated magnetic field-based detachment, the system eliminates the need for operators to manually manipulate detaching tools, significantly improving processing speed and productivity at the checkout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If security tags are not detached, then theft prevention is maintained, but alarm signals are triggered at store exits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidalarm signal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the EAS element from the security tag structure by using a magnetic field to release the magnetic latch that holds the EAS element in place. This separation removes the active EAS component from the tag body, preventing it from triggering alarms while allowing the tag body to remain on the purchased item as a non-functional accessory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system discards the functional EAS element by releasing it from the tag body through magnetic field action. The detached EAS element can be recovered and reused, while the tag body remains on the item without alarm capability, thus preventing false alarms while maintaining theft prevention through the physical tag presence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables customers to purchase items using mobile devices and automatically detach security tags, preventing alarms and enhancing the shopping experience by allowing authorized removal of tags during checkout, even in mobile or self-checkout scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

applying a magnetic field to the security tag so that the second tack end is released from the second securement mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10431062B1Systems and methods for automated security tag detachment

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

Systems and methods for operating a Security Tag (“ST”). The methods comprise: capturing a first Tack End (“TE”) of a Tack Assembly (“TA”) by a first Securement Mechanism (“SM”) disposed in the ST's body; removing a Tack Head (“TH”) from TA so as to expose a second TE that is opposed to the first TE; placing TH on the second TE; and capturing the second TE by a second SM disposed in TH. Alternatively/additionally, the methods comprise: retracting a tack into a TH of TA; depressing TH so as to cause telescoping concentric parts to slide into each other; causing a free end of the tack to travel out of TH while the telescoping concentric parts are being slid into each other; inserting the free end of the tack into ST's body; and capturing the free end of the tack by SM disposed in ST's body.