Deformable Security Element for Payment Terminal Intrusion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security measures for electronic payment terminals, such as 'dummy keys' and carbon pads, are vulnerable to bypassing and degradation, requiring multiple devices to detect intrusions from various sides and are not durable in the long term.

Innovation Solution

A deformable security element with a conducting surface is inserted into the printed circuit, closing internal security circuits when deformed and reopening upon returning to its initial shape upon intrusion attempts, making it difficult to neutralize through surface injection of conducting liquids and reducing the need for multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If 'dummy keys' with carbon pads are used to detect intrusions, then intrusion detection capability is provided, but the security can be bypassed by injecting conducting liquid and the efficiency degrades over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintrusion detection reliabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to conducting liquid injection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The security circuit is moved from the surface of the printed circuit board to internal layers of the PCB. The deformable element makes contact with conducting tracks through the thickness of the board rather than along the surface, creating a three-dimensional security path that is inaccessible to surface injection attacks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable security element is embedded within a housing that is integrated into the printed circuit board structure. The element is nested within the board thickness, with its conducting surface making internal contact with security tracks, creating a protected internal security mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple 'dummy keys' are used to detect intrusions from any side, then comprehensive intrusion detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive intrusion detectionVSAvoidnumber of security devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single deformable security element with conducting surfaces on opposite faces can detect intrusions from multiple directions. When compressed from either side, the element deforms and closes the internal security circuit, providing multi-directional detection capability in one device rather than requiring separate devices for each direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If 'dummy keys' are used under permanent pressure, then intrusion detection is enabled, but the efficiency reduces with time due to physical degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintrusion detection functionalityVSAvoidlong-term durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The security element uses reversible elastic deformation instead of permanent compression. The element naturally returns to its initial shape after intrusion attempts, avoiding cumulative physical stress and degradation. This dynamic behavior maintains consistent detection capability over time without the efficiency loss associated with permanently compressed components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution provides reliable, durable, and efficient detection of intrusion attempts with reduced pressure requirements, enhancing security by internalizing the security circuit and reducing the likelihood of bypassing, while maintaining ease of use and long-term effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable security element designed to be inserted in a housing of the printed circuit... the deformable element has at least one conducting surface configured to close the internal conducting track when the deformable element is deformed in the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11386242B2Payment terminal security device comprising an embedded security element

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 BANKS & ACQUIRERS INT HLDG SAS

AI summary

A security device for an electronic payment terminal having at least one printed circuit. The security device includes at least one deformable security element designed to be inserted in a housing of the printed circuit. The printed circuit has at least one security circuit including at least one conducting track internal to the printed circuit and interrupted at the housing. Furthermore, the at least one deformable element has at least one conducting surface configured to close the at least one internal conducting track when the deformable element is deformed in the housing.