Apparatuses that secure wearables to display tables and other display surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display apparatuses for wearable electronic devices in retail stores lack effective security measures to prevent theft, as they are not sufficiently secure or tamper-proof.
Innovation Solution
A security apparatus with first and second arm assemblies and a mechanical drivetrain, including a thumbscrew actuator, that securely fastens wearables to a display surface by moving between open and closed positions, with the actuator positioned in an enclosed space inaccessible to the public.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wearables are displayed on a display table without security measures, then customers can easily view and interface with the devices, but the devices are vulnerable to theft
Solution Approach 1:
The arm assemblies are designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions. When opened, customers can access and interface with the wearable devices. When closed, the arms secure the devices to prevent theft. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing both accessibility and security at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumbscrew actuator is designed to be operable by customers without requiring tools or specialized knowledge. Customers can independently open the arm assemblies to access devices and close them to secure devices. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation while implementing effective security measures.
2Reliability
If a security apparatus with movable arm assemblies is used to secure wearables, then theft prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security apparatus is divided into separate modular components: support surface, first arm assembly, second arm assembly, mechanical drivetrain, and housing. Each component performs a specific function and can be manufactured independently. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by allowing specialized design and easier assembly of individual modules while maintaining effective security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical drivetrain acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates the simple rotational motion of the thumbscrew actuator into the coordinated movement of both arm assemblies. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the control structure by using a single actuator to control multiple components, reducing the overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple moving parts.
3Reliability
If the actuator is positioned in an enclosed space inaccessible to the public, then security is enhanced, but the ease of operation for installation and maintenance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is extracted from the public display area and positioned in an enclosed space beneath or behind the display surface. This extraction enhances security by making the actuator inaccessible to customers who might attempt theft. The actuator remains fully functional for its intended purpose while being removed from positions where it could be misused.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is positioned in a different spatial dimension relative to the display surface - specifically in an enclosed space that is vertically or horizontally separated from the public display area. This dimensional separation allows the actuator to remain accessible for installation and maintenance by staff while being inaccessible to the public during normal operation, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides enhanced security by ensuring wearables are securely locked to the display surface, preventing unauthorized removal while allowing easy installation and operation without the need for tools, thus reducing theft risks and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator translates the screw up and down to move the arm assemblies between their open and closed positions
Implementation Method 2
downward movement of the mechanical drivetrain translates the first and second arm assemblies downward and the first and second top caps toward each other
Data Source
AI summary
A security apparatus is disclosed herein for securing a secured object to a tabletop of a display table or to another display surface. The security apparatus comprises a housing with a support surface for supporting the secured object. A pair of arm assemblies extend above the support surface and are configured to move between an open position where the secured object may be placed on or removed from the support surface. A mechanical drivetrain is provided for actuating the arm assemblies between the open and closed positions. When the security apparatus is attached to a tabletop of a display table, at least a portion of an actuator of the mechanical drivetrain will extend beneath the surface of the display table, which should be made inaccessible to the public.