Reusable Security Tag With Disposable Attachment And Deforming Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft security tags are vulnerable to techniques developed by skilled thieves to remove them without triggering alarms or damaging the merchandise, limiting their effectiveness in preventing unauthorized removal.
Innovation Solution
A security tag assembly with a reusable base and disposable attachment members, featuring a connector pin and locking assembly that prevents unauthorized removal by deforming upon forced separation, combined with a display field for merchandise information and RF communication for tracking and alarm activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security tag is designed to be permanently attached to merchandise, then theft prevention effectiveness is improved, but the ability to legally remove tags after purchase deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security tag is divided into two separable components: a reusable base that remains with the retailer and a disposable attachment member that is removed after purchase. This segmentation allows the tag to be permanently secured to merchandise during display while enabling legal removal at point of sale through the detachment assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A detachment assembly serves as an intermediary device that facilitates authorized removal of the attachment member from the base. This intermediary mechanism allows legitimate removal at checkout without requiring destruction of the security tag, thus maintaining theft prevention while enabling legal removal.
2Reliability
If security tags include indicator assemblies (staining, electronic signaling), then unauthorized removal detection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment member is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This allows incorporation of indicator assemblies (staining mechanisms, electronic signaling components) into the low-cost disposable portion, enabling sophisticated detection capabilities without permanently increasing system complexity or cost for the retailer.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable attachment member with its indicator assembly is discarded after use, while the reusable base is recovered and reused with new attachment members. This approach allows the retailer to benefit from sophisticated detection capabilities in each cycle without permanently maintaining complex components.
3Strength
If the connector pin is made rigid for secure attachment, then resistance to forced removal is improved, but ease of authorized detachment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly incorporates movable elements that can dynamically shift between locked and unlocked states. The connector pin maintains rigid engagement during normal use but can be released when the detachment assembly applies force to move the locking elements, enabling both strong attachment and easy authorized removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is pre-configured with weakened portions or predetermined failure points that allow the connector pin to be easily released by the detachment assembly. This preliminary design enables authorized personnel to detach the tag without excessive force while maintaining strong resistance to unauthorized removal attempts.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A security tag assembly and security system associated therewith prevent the unauthorized removal of merchandise from a given area, such as a retail establishment. The security tag assembly comprises a base (12) and at least one attachment member (14) removably connected in an operative position on the merchandise being protected. A locking assembly (24) restricts detachment of the attachment member (14) and is forcibly disposed out of movement restricting relation to said connector member (24) when the base and the attachment member are separated. A detachment assembly and a data registering processor may include a two-way communication link which facilitates processing of the merchandise data disposed on the security tag assembly, such that the purchasing of the merchandise and the removal of the security tag asseinbly can be effectively accomplished without jeopardizing the security of the merchandise being sold.