Tool-Less Security Mount With Sliding Locking Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security apparatuses for portable electronic devices require tools or proprietary keys for unlocking, leading to issues like lost or stolen keys, and biometric solutions are expensive and require frequent updates due to employee turnover.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less detachable security apparatus with a locking assembly that allows arms to slide along support members, using a push-button mechanism to engage and disengage lock surface features, enabling easy locking and unlocking without keys or biometric systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proprietary keys are used to unlock the security apparatus, then the device can be secured, but the keys are frequently lost or stolen requiring retailers to order extra keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the key component entirely from the security system. Instead of using proprietary keys that can be lost or stolen, the invention employs a tool-less release mechanism where the security apparatus is unlocked by simply pulling the electronic device away from the display surface, extracting the key function and replacing it with a mechanical release system.
Solution Approach 2:
The security apparatus is designed to be self-servicing through its automatic release mechanism. When the electronic device is pulled away from the display surface, the release mechanism automatically disengages without requiring any external key or tool, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for key management.
2Reliability
If biometric sensors are used to unlock the security apparatus, then key loss is eliminated, but the system becomes expensive and requires frequent updates due to employee turnover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the biometric sensor component from the security system entirely. By using a purely mechanical release mechanism that relies on the physical act of pulling the device away, the invention eliminates the need for biometric authentication systems and their associated complexity, costs, and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive biometric systems with a simple, inexpensive mechanical release mechanism. This disposable-like approach uses basic mechanical components that are cheap to manufacture and replace, rather than investing in complex biometric technology that requires frequent updates.
3Reliability
If tools are required to unlock the security apparatus, then the device can be securely tethered, but the unlocking process becomes complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tool requirement from the security system. By designing the release mechanism to be activated by the natural motion of pulling the electronic device away, the invention extracts the need for external tools or keys, making the system operable with just the user's hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The security apparatus performs its own unlocking function through the mechanical release mechanism. When the electronic device is pulled away from the display surface, the system automatically releases without requiring any external tool or complex operation, allowing the apparatus to service itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus for a portable electronic device comprises at least one support member comprising opposing side surfaces and a plurality of support member surface features. At least one of the opposing side surfaces comprises a first engagement structure. One of the at least two arms comprises a second engagement structure configured to slidably engage the first engagement structure allowing movement in a first direction and opposing second direction. At least one locking assembly is positioned on at least one of the at least two arms and comprises a plurality of lock surface features configured to couple to the plurality of support member surface features. In a locked position, the at least one of the at least two arms is enabled to slide in the first direction. In an unlocked position, the at least one of the at least two arms is enabled to slide in the second direction.