Shape Memory Lock Mechanism for Battery-Free Merchandise Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing merchandise security systems, especially those using electronic keys, are often complex and expensive, and may not provide adequate protection against theft as they require internal power sources and logic control circuits, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A merchandise security device that employs a lock mechanism operated by a shape memory material responsive to electrical power, eliminating the need for internal power sources and logic control circuits, and utilizing inductive power transfer from an electronic key to lock and unlock the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electronic key with internal power source and logic control circuit is used to operate the lock mechanism, then the security device can be electronically controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source and logic control circuit from the lock mechanism itself, placing them only in the electronic key. The lock mechanism becomes a simple mechanical device that receives power inductively, eliminating the need for internal batteries or complex control electronics in the security device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic key serves multiple functions: it contains the power source, logic control circuit, and provides inductive power transfer to the lock mechanism. This multi-functional design consolidates complexity into a single portable device rather than embedding it in each security device.
2Reliability
If an electronic key with internal power source and logic control circuit is used to operate the lock mechanism, then the security device can be electronically controlled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the expensive components (power source, logic control circuit) from the lock mechanism and placing them only in the electronic key, the manufacturing cost of each individual security device is dramatically reduced. Only simple mechanical parts and inductive power reception components are needed in the security device itself.
3Device complexity
If a shape memory material is used to operate the lock mechanism with inductive power transfer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the locking mechanism becomes simpler
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic solenoids or motors with a shape memory material that changes physical shape in response to heat from inductive power transfer. This substitution simplifies the mechanical complexity while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking functionality through the material's inherent shape-changing properties.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and simplified security system that effectively protects merchandise from theft without the need for internal power sources or complex logic control circuits, allowing multiple security devices to be operated by a single electronic key.
Implementation Method 1
a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material is configured to change in shape in response to the at least one conductor receiving electrical power
Implementation Method 2
the at least one conductor is configured to receive electrical power inductively
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A merchandise security device is provided. The merchandise security device may include a lock mechanism operably engaged with a shape memory material configured to receive electrical power for locking and unlocking the lock mechanism. The shape memory material may be configured to change in shape in response to receiving electrical power to thereby lock or unlock the lock mechanism.