Integrated Locking Mount for Information Handling System Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Information handling systems in public areas face security challenges due to the need for physical security measures that are complex, expensive, and prone to misuse, especially when integrated with display stands, which can obscure the system's security status and allow unauthorized access to cables.

Innovation Solution

A locking mount system with a four-in-one action that secures an information handling system to a display stand using a single sliding lock switch, enabling or disabling a Kensington lock, padlock, and cable cover attachment, ensuring visual confirmation of security and preventing unauthorized removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate security cables are used for each peripheral device, then security coverage is improved, but device complexity and visual clutter increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity coverageVSAvoidnumber of security devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple security functions (cable management, locking mechanism, and peripheral device security) into a single integrated display stand structure. The locking mechanism secures both the information handling system and peripheral devices simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate security cables for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display stand incorporates a multi-functional locking mechanism that serves multiple security purposes: securing the information handling system, managing cables, and preventing peripheral device theft. This universal security solution replaces multiple specialized security devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the information handling system is mounted at the rear side of the display stand, then security is improved, but verification of security status becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidsecurity verification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism includes visual indicators that change appearance based on the locked/unlocked state. When the information handling system is securely mounted, the mechanism displays a visible indicator (such as a colored flag or positioned component) that allows easy verification of security status from the front of the display stand.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If a centralized locking mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking operationVSAvoidlocking mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be self-securing through a simple sliding or rotating action that automatically engages locking components. When the information handling system is placed in the display stand, the mechanism automatically transitions to a locked state without requiring additional user actions or complex procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11732511B1Information handling system display stand mount lock
Publication Date: 2023.08.22 DELL PROD LP
  • US11732511B1 patent drawing
  • US11732511B1 patent drawing
  • US11732511B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An information handling system locks to a display stand and/or an external object with a locking mount coupled to the display stand having a Kensington lock and a padlock. The locking mount has a lock switch with an unlocked position to accept and release the information handling system securing members and a lock position that engages the securing members with a lock plate to prevent removal of the information handling system. In the unlocked position, the Kensington lock and padlock loop are unavailable for securing the information handling system. In the locked position, the Kensington lock slot is unblocked to accept a securing cable and the padlock loop will extend from a retract position to accept a padlock. When a cable fits in the slot and/or a padlock fits in the padlock loop, the lock switch is engaged in the locked position to prevent removal of the information handling system securing members.