Additive Manufacturing Data Isolation for Secure Process Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing additive manufacturing device operations face challenges in ensuring data security and integrity, particularly in local network environments where data transfer can lead to modifications or theft, compromising component and process quality.
Innovation Solution
A method that establishes a separate, discrete data connection between additive manufacturing devices and external data storage, using a gateway device to isolate data transfer from local networks, ensuring secure and controlled access through a firewall or virtual private network, and utilizing encrypted connections to prevent unauthorized access or data tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data transfer is performed via local network environment, then ease of operation is improved, but data security and integrity deteriorate due to risk of modification or theft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer path by introducing a dedicated data connection that is separate from the local network environment. This allows operational data to be transferred independently through an isolated channel, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation. The segmentation creates distinct network zones: the local network for general operations and the dedicated connection for secure data transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a gateway or secure communication interface) that mediates between the additive manufacturing device and external data storage. This intermediary establishes encrypted connections and validates data integrity, acting as a security buffer that prevents direct exposure to network threats while enabling straightforward data transfer operations.
2Reliability
If separate data connection is established, then data security and integrity are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The intermediary device merges data transfer, encryption, authentication, and error correction functions into a single unified interface. This integration simplifies the overall system architecture by reducing the number of separate components needed, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the intermediary device automatically establishes secure connections, performs encryption/decryption, and validates data integrity without requiring manual configuration. This automation reduces the complexity of setup and maintenance, as the system self-configures security parameters and manages connection states autonomously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated into existing local network, then adaptability is improved, but data security deteriorates due to exposure to network threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specialized secure communication channel with distinct security properties for sensitive data transfer, while allowing the general local network to maintain its existing adaptability for other purposes. The dedicated connection has enhanced security characteristics (encryption, authentication) localized to the data transfer path, without requiring the entire network infrastructure to be reconfigured for security.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for operating an additive manufacturing device of a manufacturing environment comprising one or more additive manufacturing devices, characterised in that data concerning the operation of the at least one additive manufacturing device are transferred from an external data storage device to the at least one additive manufacturing device by means of a separate data connection.