Crank-Type Bidirectional USB Socket for Plant Control Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plant control systems using personal computers have vulnerable USB terminals, leading to restricted access and potential damage due to orientation confusion, which complicates system upgrades and maintenance, and poses risks in complex power plant operations.
Innovation Solution
A USB security device with a crank-type bidirectional USB socket and key switch, allowing USB insertion regardless of direction and enabling secure, authorized access by physically blocking signals, using a main body with first and second sockets and a crank mechanism to prevent orientation errors and ensure secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB terminal is restricted physically or electrically to prevent security vulnerabilities, then security is improved, but USB functionality for system upgrade and maintenance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a key switch mechanism that dynamically changes the electrical connection state of the USB terminal. The key switch can toggle between locked and unlocked states, controlling whether electrical signals can pass through the USB terminal. This allows the system to adapt between secure restricted mode and functional unlocked mode based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If USB terminal is locked with key switch to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The key switch mechanism allows authorized personnel to perform preliminary action by setting the switch to unlocked state before USB operations are needed. This preliminary configuration enables subsequent USB insertions and operations to proceed without additional authentication steps, improving ease of operation for authorized users while maintaining security through the initial key-based authorization.
3Ease of operation
If USB terminal is made bidirectional to allow insertion in any direction, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric contact bar arrangements within the socket to achieve bidirectional functionality. The contact bars are positioned and shaped asymmetrically so that regardless of which direction the USB connector is inserted, at least one contact bar can establish electrical connection. This asymmetric design allows the socket to accept connectors from either direction without requiring a perfectly symmetric structure, thus enabling bidirectional operation while controlling complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A USB security device includes a main body; a connection line connecting the main body to the control system; a first socket into which a USB having a guard is inserted; a second socket into which a USB not having a guard is inserted; and a key switch. The first socket includes a first slide bar having a first connection terminal at a bottom of an end portion thereof; a first connecting rod; a second slide bar having a second connection terminal at a top of an end portion thereof; a second connecting rod; and a crank coupled at opposite ends to the first connecting rod and the second connecting rod and having a crankshaft.