Retrofit Security Bracket for Ultrathin Laptops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrathin laptops and tablets lack security slots, making them vulnerable to theft, as manufacturers have omitted this feature to achieve a more compact design, while consumers still require a way to secure these devices.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit security bracket with a built-in security slot and a fork-shaped screw extracting tool allows users to attach the bracket to devices without existing slots, enabling the use of conventional locks by creating a secure attachment point using existing screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If manufacturers omit security slots to achieve ultrathin design, then device thickness is reduced, but security protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security bracket is divided into separate components: an attachment plate for mounting and a thickened portion containing the security slot. This segmentation allows the security feature to be added as a modular component without increasing the overall device thickness, as the bracket attaches to the device exterior or interior cavity rather than requiring integrated thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding security slots in the thickness dimension (which would increase device thickness), the security bracket utilizes the surface area dimension by attaching to the device's exterior or interior surfaces. The attachment plate mounts to the device body while the thickened portion with the security slot extends perpendicular to the attachment surface, utilizing available space in three-dimensional configuration rather than linear thickness.
2Reliability
If security slots are added to ultrathin devices, then security protection capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security bracket is divided into separate components: an attachment plate for mounting and a thickened portion containing the security slot. This segmentation allows the security feature to be added as a modular component without increasing the overall device thickness, as the bracket attaches to the device exterior or interior cavity rather than requiring integrated thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding security slots in the thickness dimension (which would increase device thickness), the security bracket utilizes the surface area dimension by attaching to the device's exterior or interior surfaces. The attachment plate mounts to the device body while the thickened portion with the security slot extends perpendicular to the attachment surface, utilizing available space in three-dimensional configuration rather than linear thickness.
3Ease of operation
If conventional locks are used without security slots, then ease of operation is maintained, but security protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security bracket is designed with a universal security slot that accommodates conventional lock mechanisms. The thickened portion contains a standardized slot configuration that works with existing cable locks and security devices, allowing users to leverage familiar locking mechanisms rather than requiring specialized new lock types. This maintains ease of operation while providing security protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A security kit is provided that enables retrofitting a mobile electronic device with a theft preventing security slot. The slot allows locking therein a lock head, a cable of which is attachable to an immovable object. The security kit includes a security bracket having an attachment plate with a screw hole formed therein, and having a thickened portion having a security slot formed therein. A fork-shaped screw extracting tool is used to extract from the mobile electronic device one of the body screws and then re-use it to attach the security bracket to the housing of the electronic device.