Retail Jack Plug Security Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security devices for retail products with jack plugs do not effectively secure the plug during display, allowing potential theft and failing to allow customers to assess sound quality without risking the removal of the plug.
Innovation Solution
A security device with a jack plug socket that locks the plug in engagement, featuring a rotatable control member and locking mechanism with distinct stops to prevent over-tightening, and an attachment for securing the device to a fixture, allowing electrical signal transmission and secure locking without deforming the plug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to secure the jack plug, then theft prevention is improved, but the plug may be deformed or damaged due to over-tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a resilient locking member that inherently resists over-tightening forces. The resilient nature of the locking member allows it to deform elastically under insertion forces and then return to its original position, preventing permanent deformation of the jack plug while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the resilient locking member that absorbs excess insertion forces. The resilience of the locking member acts as a cushion, absorbing the energy of over-tightening attempts and preventing this energy from being transmitted to and deforming the jack plug.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to secure the jack plug, then security during display is improved, but customer ability to assess sound quality is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating a locking mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states. The resilient locking member can be dynamically adjusted - locked during display to prevent theft, and unlocked when a customer needs to insert their own audio device to assess sound quality. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking member is made resilient to prevent over-tightening, then plug protection is improved, but locking strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the resilient locking member. The material and geometric parameters of the locking member are designed to provide sufficient elastic deformation range to absorb over-tightening forces while maintaining adequate locking strength through the elastic recovery force. This allows the locking member to be both protective and strong.
Data Source
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AI summary
A security device is provided for securing a jack plug (60) during retail display of a product, such as a pair of headphones, that is fitted with a jack plug. The security device comprises a jack plug socket (16) for engagement with the jack plug (60) of the product and operable to lock the jack plug (60) so as to prevent withdrawal of the jack plug from the jack plug socket (16). In addition, the security device has an input (18) for receiving electrical signals from a source, such as an MP3 player or a mobile phone. The input (18) is electrically connected to the jack plug socket (16) so that electrical signals received at the input are transmitted to the jack plug socket (18). In this way, electrical signals received at the input (18) are provided to a jack plug (60) engaged with the jack plug socket (16) for transmission of the electrical signals to the product. In addition, the security device is provided with an attachment (20) for attaching the security device to a fixture such as a retail display.