Nickel-Titanium Memory Wire Unlocking in Electronic Anti-Theft Labels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic anti-theft labels using neodymium iron boron magnets are heavy, costly, pose safety risks, and have complex production processes, leading to high labor costs and material waste.
Innovation Solution
An electronic anti-theft label utilizing a nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire with electromagnetic induction and shape memory properties to unlock, featuring a first coil induced by a second coil's magnetic field, heating the wire to contract and drive a rotating device for disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If neodymium iron boron magnets are used for unlocking, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical principle from magnetic force to thermal contraction. By using nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire that contracts when heated by electromagnetic induction, the system achieves the same unlocking function without heavy magnets, directly resolving the weight issue while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic mechanical system with an electromagnetic-thermal-mechanical system. Instead of using magnetic attraction force, the system uses electromagnetic induction to generate heat, which causes thermal contraction of the memory wire, thereby actuating the locking mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy magnets
2Reliability
If neodymium iron boron magnets are used for unlocking, then the unlocking function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from expensive neodymium iron boron magnets to cost-effective nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire. This material substitution maintains the unlocking function while significantly reducing material costs and simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex magnetic system with a simpler electromagnetic induction system. The unlocking device uses a coil to generate a magnetic field that induces current in the memory wire, heating it to trigger contraction. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive permanent magnets and complex magnetic shielding
3Reliability
If strong magnetic force is used for unlocking, then the unlocking function is achieved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation mechanism from strong magnetic force to controlled thermal heating. The nickel-titanium alloy wire is heated to a specific transformation temperature to trigger contraction, which activates the unlocking function. This controlled thermal approach eliminates the uncontrolled magnetic attraction that causes safety hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the magnetic field system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The unlocking device uses a coil to generate a time-varying magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the memory wire, heating it locally to trigger the phase transformation and contraction. This substitution eliminates the risk of magnetic attraction to ferromagnetic objects and pinching hazards
4Reliability
If complex internal processing technology is used, then the locking function is achieved, but production speed decreases and labor cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking system into modular components: a locking beam with limiting grooves, a locking catch with corresponding features, and a nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled quickly, thereby increasing production speed while maintaining the locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex internal processing with a simple electromagnetic induction mechanism. The unlocking device uses a coil to generate a magnetic field that induces current in the memory wire, heating it to trigger contraction. This simple mechanism requires minimal internal processing and assembly steps, thereby increasing production speed and reducing labor costs
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
Simplifies the unlocking process, reduces material costs, enhances safety, and extends service life while providing a novel unlocking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the first coil is induced to generate electricity
Implementation Method 2
the nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire is heated to contract
Implementation Method 3
the nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire is heated to contract
Implementation Method 4
the nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire is heated to contract
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic anti-theft label of a nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire includes a first housing, a second housing with a boss, a locking beam, a locking catch, a rotating device, a nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire, and an unlocking device. The second coil on the unlocking device generates, after being energized, a magnetic field around. The second coil serving as a sending end is placed in a third groove, so that the first coil is induced to generate electricity by using the electromagnetic induction principle, and the first coil serves as a receiving end. The sending end sends an electromagnetic signal to the external environment under the action of electric power, and the receiving end receives the electromagnetic signal and converts the electromagnetic signal into current. The nickel-titanium alloy temperature memory wire is energized and heated to contract to drive the rotating device to move.