Segmented Security Cable with Over-Molded Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retail stores face challenges in securing outdoor inventory from theft and damage, particularly when items need to be removed for sale, as existing securement methods require significant time and labor, and can cause damage to unsold items.

Innovation Solution

A multi-segmented, insulated electrical security cable with over-molded male and female connectors allows for easy disconnection and reconnection at desired points, reducing time and labor required for item removal and minimizing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single-length physical or electrical securement device is used to secure outdoor inventory, then the inventory is secured from theft and damage, but significant time and labor are required to disconnect and reconnect the entire cable when removing items for sale

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of inventoryVSAvoidtime to disconnect and reconnect cable

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The security cable is divided into multiple segments with male and female connectors that can be easily connected and disconnected. This allows the cable to be segmented at the point of item removal rather than requiring complete disconnection and reconnection, significantly reducing time and labor while maintaining continuous security coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a single-length physical or electrical securement device is used to secure outdoor inventory, then the inventory is secured from theft and damage, but the process of disconnecting and reconnecting increases the chances of damaging the unsold inventory

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of inventoryVSAvoiddamage to inventory

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is segmented into modular sections with protected connectors. This allows localized disconnection at the point of sale without handling or moving other portions of the cable, eliminating the risk of accidental damage to unsold items that occurs when the entire cable must be disconnected and reconnected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connectors are designed with strain relief and protective features that prevent accidental disconnection and damage during normal handling. The over-molded construction provides cushioning and protection against environmental factors, reducing the risk of damage during the disconnection/reconnection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If inventory is moved back into the store building for security, then theft and damage are prevented, but considerable time is lost and inside storage space is required that interferes with normal store operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of inventoryVSAvoidstore operations efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented security cable acts as an intermediary that allows inventory to remain in the optimal outdoor display location while still providing security. Instead of moving inventory inside the store, the cable provides a secure connection point that can be easily adjusted or disconnected for sales, maintaining both security and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If a long metal chain or stranded steel cable is used to secure inventory, then the inventory is physically secured, but the chain may damage the finish of the item when looped through handles or components not designed for this purpose

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical securityVSAvoiddamage to item finish

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable uses a flexible, insulated construction that is gentler on inventory surfaces compared to rigid metal chains. The soft insulated covering prevents scratching or damaging the finish of displayed items while still providing effective security, and the cable can be easily replaced if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS10608396B1Method of releasably securing a plurality of items in a retail store inventory

Publication Date: 2020.03.31 PAIGE ELECTRIC CO LP

AI summary

A method of protecting retail store inventory from theft includes the steps of providing an electrical alarm circuit which is electrically connectable to a security loop cable. The security loop cable includes a plurality of electrically conductive and connectable security loop cable segments. A user forms the security loop cable by connecting the plurality of security loop cable segments end-to-end and attaches the security loop cable to the items of inventory. The free ends of the security loop cable are physically secured, including at least one of the free ends being physically secured by electrically connecting it to the electrical alarm circuit. The physical securement of the free ends prevents detachment of the inventory items from the cable. The alarm system when armed will activate an alarm if electrical continuity of the security loop cable is broken.