Unlocking Token With Integrated Anti-Theft Link

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional anti-theft systems for mobile devices like caddies and trolleys, which rely on unlocking tokens, do not adequately protect attached items like bags or handbags from theft, as they can be easily removed by malicious individuals.

Innovation Solution

An anti-theft device equipped with a flexible and resistant mechanical link integrated with the unlocking token, which includes a buckle and loop or ring to secure the bag to the device, preventing theft by making the bag inseparable from the trolley when the token is inserted into the anchoring system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an unlocking token system is used to secure mobile devices like caddies and trolleys, then the mobile device itself is protected from theft, but attached items like bags or handbags remain vulnerable to theft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidtheft risk of attached items
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the unlocking token function with an anti-theft link function into a single integrated device. The token now serves dual purposes: unlocking the anchoring system and providing mechanical attachment protection for bags through its integrated link with buckle and loop components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking token is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides anchoring system access and bag security. The same token that unlocks the caddy also contains the mechanical link components needed to secure attached items, eliminating the need for separate anti-theft devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate anti-theft device is added to protect attached items, then theft protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding a separate anti-theft device, the patent merges the protection function into the existing token. The link with buckle and loop is integrated directly into the token structure, creating a unified device that handles both anchoring and bag security without requiring additional independent components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The token is designed to perform multiple functions: it unlocks the anchoring system, provides mechanical attachment for bags, and serves as the securing mechanism itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a mechanical link is integrated with the unlocking token, then bag security is enhanced, but the token size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag theft preventionVSAvoidtoken structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical link components (buckle, loop) are nested within or integrated into the token structure itself. The link emerges from the token body, creating a compact design where the attachment mechanism is contained within the overall token form factor rather than adding significant external bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The link is designed as a flexible mechanical element that can be easily configured and attached. This flexibility allows the link to adapt to different bag configurations while maintaining a compact form when not in use, reducing the overall complexity and size increase of the token.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2559011B1Anti-theft device connected to an unlocking token
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 CANNAC FREDERIC
  • EP2559011B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2559011B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2559011B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The token (reference 1), as shown in Fig. 1, the main function of which, when it is fitted in the locking anchoring device (reference 2) of the cart, for example of the caddie® brand, or any other mobile means, is to unlock it therefrom, is provided with a securely fixed flexible tie (reference 3) made of steel or any other material that implicitly provides the function of inherent mechanical strength, such as cable, small chain, thus providing an anti-theft protection function for any object hung or arranged behind the mobile means. This flexible mechanical tie has at its end a loop or a ring (reference 4). Thus, when a user of the mobile means wishes to be protected against the theft of his or her bag or handbag hung or arranged behind said mobile means, before the token is introduced into the locking anchoring device, he or she passes the tie through a resistant element of the bag, then passes this strand through the loop or ring such that the bag cannot be removed from the mobile means, i.e. cannot be stolen. Another possible version of the token, which has a slot, makes it possible very easily to pass the tie through the end ring, thus allowing redundancy of the anti-theft function on account of being tied twice: firstly to the locking anchoring device of the cart, secondly by simple fastening to a structural element of the cart. Another possible version of the token is such that the flexible tie is made of elastically or non-elastically reinforced plastic or of any other material having sufficiently strong fibres, or any other material that implicitly provides the function of inherent mechanical strength instead of the small chain.