Table top security apparatus for a portable electronic device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security apparatuses for portable electronic devices, such as laptops and tablets with detachable keyboards, are either overly complex and cumbersome, or they compromise security for customer interaction, and often damage display fixtures.
Innovation Solution
A security apparatus comprising a display support and keyboard retainer with a lock assembly that allows the device to be secured without direct attachment to the display surface, enabling customers to interact with the device while preventing theft, and featuring a base assembly that couples to the display fixture to prevent removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current security apparatuses are used to secure portable electronic devices, then theft prevention is improved, but device complexity increases and customer interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The security apparatus is divided into separate functional components: a base assembly that attaches to the display fixture and a support assembly that holds the portable device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining security effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the display fixture and the security apparatus. The mounting plate provides a standardized interface that simplifies installation and removal, reducing the complexity of direct attachment mechanisms while maintaining secure positioning.
2Reliability
If current security apparatuses are used to secure portable electronic devices, then theft prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates movable components including a movable support surface and adjustable positioning mechanisms. These dynamic elements allow customers to easily adjust the device position and interact with it naturally, while the security function remains intact through the base assembly's attachment to the fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is pre-attached to the display fixture before the security apparatus is installed. This preliminary action simplifies the overall installation process and enables easy removal and repositioning of the security apparatus without damaging the display fixture, thereby improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If direct securing to display surface is used, then security is improved, but harmful factors increase due to surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate serves as an intermediary between the security apparatus and the display fixture, distributing attachment forces across a larger area and preventing direct contact with the fixture surface. This eliminates damage to the display fixture while maintaining security through the mounted apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed as a replaceable, non-permanent component that can be easily removed and replaced if damaged or worn. This disposable approach protects the expensive display fixture from damage while providing adequate security functionality.
4Ease of operation
If simpler security apparatuses are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the security function (base assembly with mounting plate) from the interaction function (support assembly with movable components), the system achieves both simplicity for customer use and reliability for theft prevention through specialized functional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus for securing a portable electronic device for retail display includes a base assembly extending along a base assembly axis and structured to couple to a display fixture. The base assembly includes a base portion structured to move along the base assembly axis. A body extends along a body axis and is structured configured to couple to the base portion. A first securing member is coupled to the body and a second securing member is coupled to the body. At least one of the first and second securing members moves along the body axis relative to the body. The first and second securing members each include a device engagement portion structured to at least partially surround a portion of the portable electronic device. The base portion is structured to move the body along the base assembly axis.