Modular Security Housing for Thin Portable Device Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thinner portable electronic devices lack attachment points for traditional security locks, making them vulnerable to theft and damage in public use, and existing protective enclosures are less secure, less portable, and less stylish when using permanent adhesives.

Innovation Solution

A modular security apparatus with a housing system that includes a first and second housing portion, an attachment device, and modular accessories that can be secured together with a locking mechanism, preventing removal of accessories without disengaging the security bar, allowing for customization and secure attachment to portable devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional physical security devices (locks) are used for thicker devices, then security protection is improved, but they cannot be used on thinner devices due to form factor constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidcompatibility with thin devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can be selectively secured together. This segmentation allows the security device to adapt to thinner form factors while maintaining security protection capabilities through the modular assembly approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The security apparatus employs a security bar that can be selectively engaged and disengaged, along with modular accessories that can be attached or removed. This dynamic configuration allows the same security system to adapt to different device thicknesses and security needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If permanent adhesive based attachment methodologies are used, then attachment to thin devices is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase and security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment capability to thin devicesVSAvoidsecurity and portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent adhesive attachment with a mechanical security bar and locking head system. The security bar engages with the housing portions and can be locked in place, providing a reversible mechanical attachment method that maintains security while avoiding the drawbacks of permanent adhesives.

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

3Ease of operation

If modular accessories are allowed to be freely removable, then ease of customization is improved, but security and tamper prevention are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidtamper prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular accessories are designed to be removable when the security bar is disengaged, but cannot be removed when the security bar is locked in place. This dynamic locking mechanism provides customization flexibility when needed while preventing tampering when security is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2759663B1Security apparatus with a modular system for accessories
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 ACCO BRANDS CORP
  • EP2759663B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2759663B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2759663B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A security apparatus for securing a portable device includes a housing having a first housing portion configured to partially surround a first portion of the portable device, and a second housing portion configured to partially surround a second portion of the portable device. The second housing portion is selectively secured to the first housing portion when the housing is engaged with the portable device. The security apparatus also includes an attachment device extending from the housing. The attachment device is configured to engage a locking head. The security apparatus further includes a modular accessory coupled to the housing. The modular accessory is connected to the housing when the first and second housing portions are secured together to surround the portable device. The modular accessory is only removable from the housing when the first and second housing portions are disconnected from the portable electronic device.