Security Tag Assembly Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-theft security tags are vulnerable to techniques developed by experienced thieves to remove them without activation of alarms or damage, necessitating a more secure and customizable solution for various types of merchandise.
Innovation Solution
A security tag assembly with a base containing a locking assembly biased into a locking orientation, an elongated connector pin for secure engagement, and a release assembly comprising coaxially movable collars connected via flexible biasing connectors, allowing authorized detachment while resisting unauthorized removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking assembly is added to secure the attachment member to merchandise, then security against unauthorized removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is integrated directly into the base structure, merging the locking function with the existing attachment member and base components. This eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly is designed to automatically engage and lock when the attachment member is inserted into the base, eliminating the need for manual locking operations. The spring mechanism automatically maintains the locked state without requiring continuous user intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a release assembly with displacement structure is added to enable authorized detachment, then ease of operation for authorized removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The displacement structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the detachment assembly and the locking assembly. When the detachment assembly is actuated, the displacement structure translates this motion into the appropriate force to disengage the locking assembly, enabling controlled release.
Solution Approach 2:
The release assembly utilizes a spring mechanism that provides dynamic response to the detachment force. The spring automatically returns to its original position after releasing the locking assembly, enabling repeated authorized detachments without manual resetting.
3Reliability
If the locking assembly is made more secure to resist theft techniques, then reliability against experienced thieves is improved, but difficulty of authorized removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct components: the locking assembly within the base, the displacement structure for authorized release, and the detachment assembly for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the locking assembly for security and the release mechanisms for ease of authorized detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the locking assembly have different structural characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The locking engagement features are designed for high security resistance, while the release engagement features are designed for easy authorized detachment. This localized optimization of structural properties resolves the contradiction between security and ease of authorized removal.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The security tag assembly effectively prevents unauthorized removal by securely engaging with merchandise and allowing easy authorized release, enhancing protection against theft while maintaining compatibility with diverse merchandise types.
Implementation Method 1
The spring may be structured and disposed to engage and disengage from the locking assembly in response to movement of the displacement structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A security tag assembly (10) structured to restrict unauthorized removal of merchandise (20) from a designated area is presented. The security tag assembly comprises a base (12) and a tag member (14) removably connected to the merchandise (20) being protected or monitored. A locking assembly (36) is disposed within the base (12) and is structured to be biased into a locking orientation relative to a connector pin (24) of the tag member (14). A release assembly (50), also disposed within the base (12), is structured to facilitate the authorized release of the locking assembly upon application of an externally applied detachment assembly (80). In particular the release assembly (50) comprises a displacement structure (61) including coaxially disposed first and second members (61, 62) connected via an at least partially flexible biasing connector (63) comprising an arcuate or "U" shaped configuration. The second collar (62) is structured for disposition (D2) into a displacing engagement with the locking assembly (36) upon the forced movement (d1) of the first collar (61).