Telescoping Anti-Theft Bracket for Electronic Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-theft devices for electronic equipment are ineffective against seasoned thieves, easily removable, and obtrusive, particularly for devices without Kensington slots, and do not fit with the sleek design of modern electronic equipment.

Innovation Solution

A securing apparatus comprising a collar, connector, and mounting bracket that allows electronic equipment to swivel, with a telescoping connector that conforms to the support surface, and a lock for secure attachment to a horizontal support structure, ensuring the equipment is difficult to remove without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable-type anti-theft devices are used to secure electronic equipment, then the equipment is deterred from being stolen by unsophisticated thieves, but the devices are easily removable by seasoned thieves and do not provide effective security

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft effectivenessVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-theft device is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket attached to the support structure, a connector with telescoping sections, and a collar around the equipment neck. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing secure attachment that is difficult to remove without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector uses telescoping sections with varying material properties - outer sections provide structural strength and resistance to cutting, while inner sections allow for adjustment and conforming to the support surface. The collar incorporates flexible material that can be tightly secured around the equipment neck while remaining difficult to sever.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If cable-type anti-theft devices are used, then equipment is secured to support structures, but the cables are obtrusive and may be susceptible to entanglement with electrical cords and wires

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring capabilityVSAvoidentanglement and safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable is extracted and replaced with a rigid connector system that has no flexible portions. The connector's telescoping mechanism eliminates the need for dangling cables, and the collar directly secures to the equipment neck without requiring cable attachment. This removes the source of entanglement and safety hazards while maintaining securing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a flexible cable that drags along the support surface and around the equipment, the invention inverts the approach by using a rigid, telescoping connector that extends directly from the support structure to the equipment. The connector is positioned to conform to the support surface geometry, eliminating the need for cables to route around obstacles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If cable-type anti-theft devices are used, then equipment is protected, but the devices require Kensington slots which not all electronic equipment have

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidcompatibility with different equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is designed with universal attachment capability that does not depend on Kensington slots. The bracket can be securely mounted on various support structures (desks, tables, shelves) and the telescoping connector can adapt to different equipment configurations. The collar can be adjusted to fit different neck circumferences, making the entire system compatible with a wide range of electronic equipment without requiring specific slots or interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If bulky anti-theft devices are used, then equipment is secured securely, but the devices do not fit within sleek design schemes and compromise the appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-theft functionality is concentrated in specific localized components rather than being distributed throughout a bulky structure. The mounting bracket is compact and attaches only where needed to the support structure, the connector is telescoping and can be retracted when not in use, and the collar is a simple circular band that fits around the equipment neck. This localized approach maintains security strength while minimizing visual impact and allowing sleek designs to prevail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9151083B2Apparatus and setup for securing electronic equipment

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 GORDON SAUL ILAN

AI summary

An apparatus is provided for securing electronic equipment to a substantially horizontal surface of a support structure. The apparatus includes a fastening means such as a collar, a mounting bracket for attachment to the support structure, and a connector. The connector is interposed between and swivelably attached to the collar and mounting bracket. The connector may have a telescoping construction. The apparatus is particularly suited for use with equipment having an electronic component attached to a neck extending from a base. An electronic equipment setup using the above-described apparatus is also provided.