Tracking Device Mount Housing for Theft-Resistant Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless tracking devices are vulnerable to theft and dislodgment from objects due to their visibility and susceptibility to collisions, especially in applications like sports equipment.

Innovation Solution

Mounts comprising a housing with a coupler that securely attaches to an object, using adhesives, magnets, or mechanical fasteners, and features like frustoconical shape and sloped sides to prevent removal, along with a cover mechanism that requires a specific tool for access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wireless tracking device is mounted on an object, then the device can track the object, but the device is vulnerable to theft and dislodgment due to visibility and susceptibility to collisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of tracking deviceVSAvoidtheft and dislodgment risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mount is divided into separate components: a housing that receives the tracking device, a coupler that attaches to the article, and a cover that secures the device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the housing protects the device, the coupler provides secure attachment, and the cover prevents unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking device is nested within the housing, which is itself attached to the coupler that connects to the article. This nested structure provides multiple layers of protection and security, making it difficult to access or remove the tracking device without damaging the entire assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the tracking device is made visible for tracking purposes, then it can be located easily, but it becomes more susceptible to theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrackability of deviceVSAvoidtheft risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is designed with a frustoconical shape that provides a flat top surface for placing the tracking device, while the sloped sides create a recessed area. This local variation in geometry allows the device to be visible on top for tracking purposes while the sloped sides and cover provide protection against theft and unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the mount is designed to be secure and difficult to remove, then theft is prevented, but ease of operation for legitimate users is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A removable cover acts as an intermediary between the tracking device and the outside world. The cover requires a specific hand tool for removal, providing security against casual theft while allowing legitimate users to access the device when needed. The cover threads onto the housing base, creating a secure but reversible connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12508494B2Mounts for tracking devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 ELEVATION LAB INC

AI summary

Mounts (10) for securing a device (12) to an article (14) comprise a housing (16) having an internal volume (18) configured to selectively receive and retain the device (12) in the housing (16); and a coupler (20) attached to the housing (16) and configured to be operatively attached to the article (14).