Reusable Security Base with Cable Routing for Retail Merchandise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retail merchandise security devices are limited in accommodating various packaging sizes and shapes, requiring replacement when larger items are secured, and are often obsolete if anti-theft methodologies change.
Innovation Solution
A reusable security device with a base that includes a cable routing system and bite elements, allowing the cable to be tensioned around merchandise and a depressible button to be triggered, enabling adaptation to different sizes and anti-theft technologies without needing device replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length cable is used in the security device, then the device can be manufactured with simple structure, but it can only accommodate up to a maximum size of retail merchandise
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently routed and adjusted. The cable routing structure includes multiple path options (first path, second path, third path) that allow the cable to be configured in different lengths and configurations based on the size and shape of the merchandise being secured.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable routing system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than fixed. The cable can be routed through different paths (first path through first aperture, second path through second aperture, third path through third aperture) depending on the merchandise dimensions, allowing the same device to accommodate varying sizes without replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anti-theft componentry is contained within the central hub, then the device structure is simplified, but the device becomes obsolete when anti-theft methodology changes
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is segmented into separate functional components: the base member (housing the cable routing structure) and the anti-theft componentry. This segmentation allows the anti-theft componentry to be independently replaced or upgraded without replacing the entire device, enabling adaptation to different anti-theft methodologies while retaining the reusable base member.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member is designed as a universal component that can support multiple types of anti-theft componentry. The cable routing structure and mechanical features (apertures, bite elements) are standardized to work with various anti-theft technologies, making the base member reusable across different anti-theft methodologies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two loops arranged perpendicular to one another are used, then the device can accommodate square or rectangular packaging, but it cannot accommodate other shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The loop configuration is made dynamic through the adjustable cable routing system. Instead of fixed perpendicular loops, the cable can be routed through different paths and apertures to create loops of varying orientations and dimensions, allowing the device to accommodate square, rectangular, and other shaped packaging by adjusting the cable configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A security device and its associate base are provided. The base includes a cable having a free end which is routed through the base and around an item of retail merchandise. When tension is applied to the cable, the base actuates a depressible button of an anti-theft component of the security device mounted to the base.