Motion-Responsive Activator and Annunciator for Theft Deterrence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandise display and dispensing systems at point-of-purchase are prone to theft due to ease of selection, leading to significant losses for retailers, and existing anti-theft systems are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained, compact annunciator assembly is integrated into the display and dispensing apparatus, emitting an audible signal of limited duration when a selection is made, using a motion-responsive activator and selection-responsive component to deter theft without requiring special facilities or utilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing anti-theft systems are installed at point-of-purchase, then theft deterrence is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential anti-theft function from complex existing systems, isolating only the core components needed: a simple motion-responsive activator and an annunciator. This extraction maintains theft deterrence while eliminating unnecessary complexity and cost associated with full alarm systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components that can be easily replaced if needed. The activator and annunciator are designed as basic, low-cost elements rather than expensive sophisticated systems, reducing overall device complexity and cost while maintaining effective theft deterrence through the audible alert function.
2Reliability
If existing anti-theft systems are installed at point-of-purchase, then theft deterrence is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting only the essential anti-theft components (activator and annunciator) from complex existing systems, the patent significantly reduces installation cost while maintaining theft deterrence. The simplified design requires fewer installation steps and less specialized infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-contained and easily installed without requiring special facilities or utilities. The activator and annunciator form a self-sufficient unit that can be integrated into existing display cases with minimal modification, reducing installation complexity and cost.
3Reliability
If motion-responsive activator with annunciator is used, then theft deterrence is improved through simple design, but signal duration must be limited to avoid excessive noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by limiting the annunciator signal to a specific duration upon activation. This controlled temporal pattern provides sufficient alert to deter theft while avoiding excessive or continuous noise that would be disruptive. The signal activates only when motion is detected and stops after a predetermined time interval.
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 deters theft by alerting staff with a simple, inexpensive, and reliable audible signal, adaptable to current display and dispensing apparatus designs, ensuring long-term operation with minimal modification.
Implementation Method 1
a motion-responsive activator coupled with the annunciator for activating the annunciator to emit an audible signal of limited duration in response to imparting an activating motion to the activator
Implementation Method 2
an annunciator for emitting an audible signal of limited duration upon activation of the annunciator
Data Source
AI summary
An improvement in an apparatus and a method provide an audible signal for announcing a selection, by a purchaser, of an item of merchandise placed at a dispensing location at a point-of-purchase. An annunciator emits an audible signal of limited duration for announcing the selection. A motion-responsive activator is coupled with the annunciator for activating the annunciator to emit the audible signal in response to imparting an activating motion to the activator. A selection-responsive component is coupled with the activator and is movable in response to the purchaser making a selection at the dispensing location, to impart an activating motion to the activator and, consequently, to activate the annunciator to emit the audible signal of limited duration announcing the selection.