Encrypted Touch Module Mounting Bracket With Hidden Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting solutions lack secure mechanisms to protect electronic modules from unauthorized access and tampering, particularly in preventing removal of modules and damage to internal components.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket design featuring a shield surface and hidden mounts that prevent access to internal components, including a cavity and hidden mounting holes, which are secured by fasteners that align with critical components like batteries, ensuring any attempted removal or tampering results in component damage and data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional mounting solutions are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the electronic module is vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoidmounting bracket structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is divided into distinct functional segments: a shield surface for protection, a cavity for component isolation, and multiple mounting surfaces for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific security function while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting bracket employs a nested structure where the cavity is formed within the bracket body, and the electronic module is positioned within this cavity. The shield surface then covers and protects the cavity and its contents, creating a nested protective arrangement that enhances security without requiring entirely separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If accessible mounting holes are used, then the device is easy to assemble and disassemble, but unauthorized removal and tampering can occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-tampering protectionVSAvoidmodule removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates destructive elements (such as the battery positioned adjacent to hidden mounting holes) that will be damaged if tampering attempts occur. This preliminary anti-action ensures that any unauthorized removal attempt automatically triggers component damage and data loss, preventing malicious access before it can succeed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potential harm of tampering into a beneficial security feature. By positioning critical components like the battery near hidden mounting holes, any attempt to remove the module through these holes results in battery damage and subsequent data loss. The harmful act of tampering is thus transformed into an effective anti-tampering mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If internal components are exposed, then assembly and maintenance is straightforward, but sensitive data and components are vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is pre-configured with the cavity and shield surface during manufacturing, creating a protected environment for the electronic module before assembly. Critical components like the battery are pre-positioned in locations that provide both protection and anti-tampering functionality, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly security modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design merges multiple functions into the mounting bracket structure itself: the bracket provides mechanical support, the cavity provides component housing, the shield surface provides protection, and the hidden mounting holes provide secure attachment with anti-tampering capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process while enhancing security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10631419B1Mounting bracket for encrypted touch module

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 DIEBOLD NIXDORF INCORPORATED

AI summary

A mounting bracket comprising a first (top) surface with a slot, second (bottom) surface, and a shield (front) surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces, and two side (right and left) surfaces coupled with the top, bottom, and front surfaces. A cavity is formed by the top, bottom, front, left, and right surfaces. Mounts on the top surface enable a housing to be mounted on the top surface. Mounts coupled with the left and right edge surfaces enable the bracket to mounted on an external surface. Optionally, the top surface may further comprise a hidden mount on the distal edge of the top surface, the hidden mount is hidden when a housing is mounted on the top surface and/or a security pin. When the bracket is mounted to an external surface, the slot in the top surface allows a connector to extend from the cavity to the housing.