Modular Security System with Adjustable Power Converters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing article security systems lack flexibility in securing diverse types of electrical devices and efficiently providing them with power while preventing theft.

Innovation Solution

A modular article security system comprising a security center, power units, and fuse heads with adjustable converters and sensors that allow for flexible connection and power supply to various devices, enabling simultaneous security and power provision through a network of cable connections for signal and power transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a centralized power supply system is used for all electrical devices, then power distribution is simplified, but the system lacks flexibility for different device power requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply system complexityVSAvoidadaptability to different device power requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented into a centralized power supply unit and multiple independent fuse heads, each with its own adjustable converter. This allows the system to maintain centralized power distribution while providing localized power adjustment capabilities for different device requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each fuse head is equipped with an adjustable converter that can dynamically adapt power output to match the specific requirements of different electrical devices. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction between simplified centralized distribution and flexible device-specific power requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If fixed power supply voltage is provided to all devices, then the power supply system is simpler, but it cannot accommodate devices with different voltage requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply system complexityVSAvoidvoltage adaptability for different devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each fuse head is equipped with an adjustable converter that provides locally adapted voltage output according to the specific device connected. This allows the overall system to maintain a simple fixed voltage distribution while each local unit can adjust to the specific voltage requirements of different devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If multiple electrical devices are connected to the same power supply, then power distribution efficiency increases, but the risk of overload increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution efficiencyVSAvoidoverload risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates monitoring circuits in each fuse head that detect the actual power consumption of connected devices. This feedback information is transmitted to the power supply unit, which automatically adjusts power distribution to prevent overload while maintaining efficient utilization of power resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply system dynamically adjusts power allocation based on real-time monitoring of device power consumption. This dynamic control allows multiple devices to be connected efficiently while automatically preventing overload conditions through adaptive power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If modular fuse heads with adjustable converters are used, then adaptability to different devices increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different electrical devicesVSAvoidfuse head system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuse heads are designed as universal modules with adjustable converters that can adapt to different device types and power requirements. This multi-functionality provides high adaptability while using standardized modular components that reduce overall system complexity through reuse and standardization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively secures multiple electrical devices by detecting attachment and position changes, triggering alarms if necessary, while providing adaptable power supply options, ensuring efficient power distribution and preventing theft, with modular design allowing for flexible configuration and reduced risk of overload.

Implementation Method 1

each having an adjustable converter (56) for transforming the electrical energy from the power supply into a value for current and/or voltage that is adapted for supplying the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage transformation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A monitoring circuit is provided in the fuse head in order to detect an actual value of an electrical variable of the electrical power provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical measurement: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP3370318B1Merchandise security system comprising electric power supply
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ZELOS CONCEPT GMBH
  • EP3370318B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3370318B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a merchandise security system for electrical devices. A security control unit (12) has a plurality of terminals (20) and a power unit (30) connected to one of the terminals (20) via a first connection (32). A security head (40) for attachment to a device (50) to be secured is connected to the power unit (30) via a second connection (46). The security head (40) has a security sensor (66) for generating a sensor signal in the event of the security head (40) being disconnected from the device (50). The security control unit (12) is configured to trigger an alarm upon detection of the sensor signal. The security control unit (12) is configured to supply electrical power to the power unit (30) at a specified current or voltage via the first connection (32).The power unit (30) has an adjustable electrical converter (56) to convert the electrical power supplied via the first connection (32) into a supply current or supply voltage, which is supplied via the second connection (46) to a supply terminal (52) on the fuse head (40).