Security Apparatus Lock Interface for Portable Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional security systems for portable electronic devices, such as personal computers, are inadequate in preventing theft as they lack an effective and convenient method for attaching security cables, and do not deter thieves who target the data stored in the devices rather than the devices themselves.

Innovation Solution

A security apparatus with a lock interface member featuring an aperture and a protrusion, and a security apparatus head with an engagement element and stabilizing element that securely engages the lock interface member, enhancing the physical coupling strength and making it difficult for thieves to separate the security apparatus from the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a conventional rectangular slot is used for security attachment, then the security apparatus can be attached to the device, but the physical coupling strength is insufficient and thieves can easily separate the apparatus from the device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical coupling strengthVSAvoidtheft prevention effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lock interface member is divided into distinct functional features: an aperture for receiving the engagement element and a protrusion for positive engagement. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function optimally, with the aperture providing a precise fit and the protrusion providing mechanical interlocking, thereby significantly strengthening the physical coupling compared to a simple rectangular slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element is inserted into and nested within the aperture of the lock interface member, with the protrusion extending into a corresponding recess. This nested configuration creates a tight fit where the engagement element and protrusion are mutually constrained, preventing separation and enhancing the overall strength of the connection between the security apparatus and the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Device complexity

If a simple rectangular slot is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the security apparatus can be easily removed by thieves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock interface structureVSAvoidtheft risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lock interface member is divided into distinct functional features: an aperture for receiving the engagement element and a protrusion for positive engagement. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function optimally, with the aperture providing a precise fit and the protrusion providing mechanical interlocking, thereby significantly strengthening the physical coupling compared to a simple rectangular slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock interface member employs asymmetric geometry with a specifically shaped aperture and protrusion that do not allow easy removal. The protrusion is positioned and dimensioned to engage with a corresponding feature on the engagement element, creating a non-reversible connection without requiring complex mechanisms. This asymmetric design maintains simplicity while effectively preventing theft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If the physical coupling is strengthened with engagement elements and protrusions, then theft becomes more difficult, but the coupling mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft prevention effectivenessVSAvoidcoupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock interface member is divided into distinct functional features: an aperture for receiving the engagement element and a protrusion for positive engagement. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function optimally, with the aperture providing a precise fit and the protrusion providing mechanical interlocking, thereby significantly strengthening the physical coupling compared to a simple rectangular slot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement element and protrusion are designed to automatically engage and lock when the security apparatus is inserted into the device. The geometric shapes of the aperture and protrusion ensure that once assembled, the connection is self-locking and cannot be accidentally disengaged. This self-service mechanism provides strong theft prevention without requiring additional complex locking components or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11892882B2Security apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 ACCO BRANDS CORP

AI summary

A security apparatus for securing a portable electronic device to an immovable object includes a locking head having a base and a compressible element supported by the base. The locking head is adjustable between an unlocked configuration, in which the compressible element is uncompressed and insertable into and removable from an opening of the portable electronic device, and a locked configuration, in which the compressible element is compressed and secured within the opening of the portable electronic device.