Intrusion Sensor Power Cutoff for Open-Housing Computer Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems face risks of electrical shock and electrostatic discharge due to residual power, and physical security threats from unauthorized access, with existing solutions like battery disconnect switches adding cost and footprint.
Innovation Solution
An intrusion detection sensor automatically detects when the housing is opened, triggering power cutoff to the motherboard and storing intrusion information, reducing the need for manual battery disconnection and minimizing risks of shock and ESD.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery disconnect switch is included to protect against electrical shock and ESD, then system safety is improved, but device cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing intrusion detection sensor and embedded controller to automatically manage battery power disconnection. The embedded controller monitors housing open/closed states and autonomously controls the battery power disconnect, eliminating the need for a separate manual battery disconnect switch while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller, originally designed for general system management, is extended to also control battery power disconnection. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to handle both intrusion detection response and power management, reducing the need for additional dedicated safety components.
2Reliability
If manual battery disconnection is required for safety, then protection against electrical shock and ESD is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively disconnects battery power automatically when the housing is opened, before any user interaction with internal components occurs. This preliminary safety action eliminates the need for users to manually disconnect batteries and prevents them from needing to remember safety procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller automatically monitors the housing state and manages battery power disconnection without requiring user intervention. The system serves itself by detecting the open housing condition and autonomously executing the power disconnection to ensure safety.
3Reliability
If power is immediately cutoff when housing is opened, then safety is improved, but loss of time occurs for storing and communicating intrusion information
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded controller immediately detects the open housing state and initiates the power cutoff sequence. Simultaneously, it begins the process of storing intrusion information in non-volatile memory and communicating it via wireless communication, ensuring safety while preserving evidence collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation of the embedded controller and wireless communication module even after battery power cutoff to other components. This allows intrusion information to be fully stored and transmitted before complete system shutdown, ensuring both safety and information preservation.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system intrusion detection sensor detects opening of a housing and in response automatically cuts off power communicated from a battery to the processing components of the system. At detection of an opening of the housing, intrusion detection information is generated and stored in non-transitory memory before the power of the battery is cut off. Power cut off may be delayed to communicate the intrusion detection information or the intrusion detection information may be communicated with a security radio having a secondary battery.