Modular Security Apparatus with Electronic Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable items such as personal electronic devices, parcels, and institutional devices are vulnerable to theft due to their portability, monetary value, and utility, and lack standardized features for locking or securing them.
Innovation Solution
An electronically releasable security apparatus with modular construction, featuring cables or straps that wrap around objects and are secured by one-way locking mechanisms, which can be electronically released using a controller module and fastener modules, allowing authorized users to securely attach and detach items from anchor surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable items are made more portable and accessible, then utility and convenience are improved, but vulnerability to theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security apparatus is divided into separate modular components including a security device with locking mechanism, anchor mechanisms, and cable management systems. This segmentation allows the security function to be added to portable items without making the items themselves less portable, as the security components can be independently attached and configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security apparatus that acts as a mediator between portable items and anchor surfaces. The security device with its locking mechanism and anchor system serves as an intermediate layer that secures the portable item to a fixed surface, thereby reducing theft vulnerability while maintaining the item's portability when security is not required.
2Reliability
If standardized locking features are added to portable items, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is designed with universal applicability to accommodate various portable item types including packages, parcels, and electronic devices. The standardized locking mechanism and anchor systems can be used across different applications, reducing the need for item-specific security solutions and thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity while maintaining reliable security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the locking mechanism design, utilizing electromechanical or magnetic fields to control the locked state. By changing the operational parameters from manual mechanical locking to electronically controllable locking, the security reliability is enhanced while the physical complexity of the mechanism is reduced through the use of simple actuation systems.
3Reliability
If electronically controlled locking mechanisms are implemented, then unauthorized removal is prevented, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The security apparatus incorporates self-service features through automatic locking mechanisms that engage when the portable item is attached to the anchor surface. The system automatically detects the attachment state and activates the locking mechanism without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable anti-theft protection. The electronic release function allows authorized users to easily unlock the device through simple electronic signals.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular security apparatus may be configured with a controller module and one or more fastener modules. A first fastener module may secure a portable item with, for example, one or more cables forming loops external to a housing of the module and retained by a one-way locking mechanism disposed within the housing. A second fastener module may anchor the modular security apparatus to an anchor surface or other fixed object. The controller module may be releasably attached to the first and second module. The controller module may include a controller configured to receive and verify an electronic signal. Upon verifying the electronic signal, the controller may actuate one or more mechanisms to release the portable item, release the modular security apparatus from the anchor surface, and/or to allow disassembly of the modules. In some implementations, the controller module may be integrated with the first and/or second module.