Security Connector Sense Loop for Theft Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for electronic devices fail to provide both power and security effectively, often resulting in false alarms and inability to differentiate between intentional power-off and theft, due to lack of a sense loop and improper conductor connections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that includes a conductive shield and multiple conductors, where at least one conductor is not electrically connected to the shield when not engaged with the device, forming a sense loop upon engagement, allowing for secure power and data transmission while detecting unauthorized removal or tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connector provides power and data transmission to electronic devices, then the device functionality is maintained, but the device becomes vulnerable to theft and cannot distinguish between intentional power-off and theft
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates multiple functions into a single device: power transmission through power conductors, data transmission through data conductors, and security monitoring through sense loop formation. This allows the connector to simultaneously maintain device functionality while providing theft protection without requiring separate security devices
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive shield serves as an intermediary element that dual-purpose: it provides electromagnetic shielding for signal integrity while simultaneously acting as a conductor to complete the sense loop for theft detection. This intermediary structure enables security monitoring without adding separate components
2Reliability
If conductors are electrically connected to the conductive shield for shielding purposes, then electromagnetic interference is reduced, but the ability to form a sense loop for theft detection is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector divides conductors into functionally separate groups: data conductors that connect to the conductive shield for EMI protection, and power conductors that remain isolated to enable sense loop formation. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of electromagnetic shielding and theft detection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Different conductors have different connection characteristics to the conductive shield: data conductors are electrically connected for shielding, while power conductors are isolated to maintain sense loop integrity. This local differentiation of connection quality enables both EMI protection and security monitoring functions
3Reliability
If a security device is added to protect merchandise from theft, then security is improved, but the retail price and profit margin continue to decline due to additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector integrates security monitoring functions into the existing power and data transmission conductors, eliminating the need for separate security devices. The sense loop utilizes existing connector components (conductive shield and power conductors) rather than requiring additional expensive security hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines security monitoring functionality with the existing connector structure by using the conductive shield and power conductors to form a sense loop. This merging of functions reduces component count and manufacturing complexity compared to separate security devices
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, the connector includes a body portion configured to be connected to a cord and a connection portion engaged with the body portion and comprising a plurality of conductors. The connection portion includes a conductive shield electrically connected to a plurality of the conductors when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise, and the connection portion also includes at least one ground conductor that is not electrically connected to the remaining conductors and/or the conductive shield when the connection portion is not engaged with the article of merchandise. At least one of the conductors and/or the conductive shield is configured to cooperate with the ground conductor to define a sense loop when the connector is engaged with the article of merchandise, and interruption of the sense loop is indicative of a security event.