Input Device Protection Spacer for Intrusion Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 'false key' protection systems in input devices like payment terminals are inefficient in detecting slight separation of the device's half-shells, as the pressure reduction is not sufficient to indicate an intrusion, due to the length of the flexible pressurizing elements.

Innovation Solution

A spacer of adjustable length is introduced within the pressurizing device's tube, reducing the length of the flexible pressurizing element and enhancing stiffness, along with a protective mesh and capacitive detection for improved intrusion detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible pressurizing element is made long to accommodate manufacturing variations, then adaptability is improved, but intrusion detection sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to manufacturing variationsVSAvoidintrusion detection sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing device is segmented into three functional parts: a rigid spacer providing predetermined length and stiffness, a flexible pressurizing element providing pressure force, and a protective mesh providing intrusion detection capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines different material properties: the rigid spacer (providing structural stability and predetermined length), the flexible pressurizing element (providing elastic pressure), and the protective mesh (providing intrusion detection). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve adaptability to manufacturing variations and high intrusion detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Measurement precision

If the flexible pressurizing element is made short to improve intrusion detection sensitivity, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to manufacturing variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintrusion detection sensitivityVSAvoidadaptability to manufacturing variations

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing device is segmented into three functional parts: a rigid spacer providing predetermined length and stiffness, a flexible pressurizing element providing pressure force, and a protective mesh providing intrusion detection capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines different material properties: the rigid spacer (providing structural stability and predetermined length), the flexible pressurizing element (providing elastic pressure), and the protective mesh (providing intrusion detection). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve adaptability to manufacturing variations and high intrusion detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Force

If the flexible pressurizing element is made long to reduce pressure force, then force applied to false key is reduced, but intrusion detection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure force on false keyVSAvoidintrusion detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing device is segmented into three functional parts: a rigid spacer providing predetermined length and stiffness, a flexible pressurizing element providing pressure force, and a protective mesh providing intrusion detection capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the system have different local properties: the rigid spacer provides structural stability and predetermined length, the flexible pressurizing element provides elastic pressure force, and the protective mesh provides intrusion detection. Each component is designed with specific local qualities to fulfill its function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Reliability

If the flexible pressurizing element is made short to increase pressure force sensitivity, then reliability is improved, but adaptability to manufacturing variations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintrusion detection capabilityVSAvoidadaptability to manufacturing variations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pressurizing device is segmented into three functional parts: a rigid spacer providing predetermined length and stiffness, a flexible pressurizing element providing pressure force, and a protective mesh providing intrusion detection capability. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines different material properties: the rigid spacer (providing structural stability and predetermined length), the flexible pressurizing element (providing elastic pressure), and the protective mesh (providing intrusion detection). This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve adaptability to manufacturing variations and high intrusion detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 allows for more sensitive detection of intrusions and adaptations to manufacturing variations, enhancing the security of input devices by increasing the pressure force sensitivity and accommodating different sizes and uncertainties.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible pressurizing element which is received by the tube and which exerts a pressure force on the false key

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

said intrusion detector is a capacitive detector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10922443B2System for protecting an input device

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 BANKS & ACQUIRERS INT HLDG SAS

AI summary

A system for protecting an input device. The system includes a pressurizing device and a printed circuit board having a false key. The pressurizing device includes a tube for receiving a flexible pressurizing element. A spacer of a predetermined length is disposed at a bottom of the tube.