Intrusion-protected Memory Component with Chassis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Smartphones and other portable devices face the risk of data theft and unauthorized access when stolen, as biometric and cryptographic data can be compromised, allowing thieves to access financial information and assets.
Innovation Solution
A chassis intrusion detector system is integrated into the device, featuring a mesh of conductor wires on a plastic film that forms a single transmission line connected to a processor, which self-destructs or renders data inaccessible if the integrity of the circuit is compromised, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If biometric and cryptographic data are stored on the portable device, then the device can provide convenient access to financial information and assets, but the data can be stolen and used by unauthorized users if the device is lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a chassis intrusion detection system that proactively detects unauthorized access attempts before data can be stolen. The system includes conductive elements embedded in the housing that form a continuous electrical circuit, which triggers an alarm or data erasure when the circuit is broken during unauthorized disassembly or access attempts, thereby preventing data theft before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary protection mechanism by introducing a physical barrier layer (the conductive mesh or foil embedded in the housing) that mediates between the external environment and the stored data. This intermediary element detects intrusion attempts and activates countermeasures, creating a buffer that prevents direct access to the data while maintaining normal device operation.
2Reliability
If a chassis intrusion detector system with conductor wires is integrated into the device, then data security is improved through self-destruction upon breach detection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the conductor wires to serve multiple functions: they provide structural reinforcement to the housing, act as the intrusion detection sensing element, and form the electrical circuit for triggering security responses. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high data security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin conductive films or foils embedded within the housing structure rather than bulky wire meshes. This approach maintains the sleek, modern design of portable devices while providing effective intrusion detection. The thin film format allows integration into contemporary device architectures without significantly increasing complexity or affecting aesthetics.
3Reliability
If the conductor wires are arranged in a grid pattern throughout the housing, then intrusion detection coverage is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical arrangement of individual conductor wires with a continuous conductive film or foil that is laminated or embedded into the housing. This substitution eliminates the need for precise manual or automated wire-by-wire placement in a grid pattern, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining comprehensive intrusion detection coverage across the entire housing surface.
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
Effectively protects biometric and cryptographic data by ensuring that any attempt to breach the device's security results in data erasure or self-destruction, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the device's associated monetary or asset values.
Implementation Method 1
The processor takes action to prevent access to data in the data storage component upon detecting a variance in current through or impedance of the transmission line defined by the conductor wires
Data Source
AI summary
Intrusion-protected memory-containing assembly including a substrate, a data storage component and processor on the substrate, and a chassis intrusion detector assembly around the substrate. The chassis intrusion detector assembly includes a first plastic film, a mesh including conductor wires arranged on the first plastic film, and a second plastic film covering the mesh. The conductor wires are connected together in a single circuit with the processor to form a single transmission line. The second plastic film has sealed edges integrated with the mesh such that the edges are inseparable without breaking one of the conductor wires of the mesh. The processor takes action to prevent access to data in the data storage component upon detecting a variance in current through or impedance of the transmission line defined by the conductor wires caused by breaking of one of the conductor wires, e.g., causes the data storage component to self-destruct.