Crenellated Cylinder Security Element for Payment Terminal Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security measures for payment terminals, such as false keys and plastic extensions, are inadequate for modern designs due to space constraints and manufacturing issues, making them vulnerable to tampering and aesthetically flawed, allowing attackers to identify and exploit the locations of security features.
Innovation Solution
A crenellated cylinder-shaped 'double-sided false key' security element that closes contacts on two printed circuits when the device is closed, with non-electrically connected ends, detects intrusion by breaking contact when the device is opened, and includes a lateral fin for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plastic extensions are used to connect false keys to the motherboard, then security detection capability is improved, but the device size increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the security detection function from the plastic extension structure and integrates it directly into the keyboard keycaps. The keycaps themselves become the security elements with conductive traces, eliminating the need for separate plastic extensions and reducing device volume while maintaining security detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the structural function of keycaps with the security detection function. The keycaps are designed to include conductive traces that form part of the security circuit, combining what were previously separate components (keycap structure and security extension) into a single integrated element.
2Reliability
If plastic extensions are used for false key security, then intrusion detection is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to injection deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic plastic extensions from the visible exterior surface. By integrating security traces directly into the keycaps, the design eliminates the need for external extensions that cause aesthetic deformations, while security detection remains functional through the conductive traces embedded in the keycap structure.
3Reliability
If false keys are made visible on the keyboard, then security element location is identified by attackers, but security detection function is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different properties to different parts of the keyboard. The keycaps containing security traces have special conductive properties, while other parts remain normal. This localized approach allows security functionality to be distributed across multiple keycaps rather than concentrated in visible false keys, making it harder for attackers to identify and target specific security elements.
4Reliability
If space between keys is increased to accommodate plastic extensions, then false key functionality is achieved, but keyboard compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the false key structure with the keycap itself. The conductive traces are integrated into the keycap design, allowing the keycap to serve both as the visible keyboard element and as the security component. This eliminates the need for additional space between keys that would be required for separate plastic extensions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a security element (12) of a data input device. According to the invention, the security element exhibits a form suitable for closing contacts via each of its two ends on two respective printed circuits (10, 11) of said data input device when said data input device is in a closed position, said ends not being electrically connected together.