Magnetic Data Storage for Printed Board Assembly Movement Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms fail to effectively detect the movement or tampering of printed board assemblies (PBAs) relative to a master interconnect board, which can lead to unauthorized access or disconnection of proprietary data.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first connector housing with a magnetic data storage device and a second connector housing with a permanent magnet, where the magnetic data storage device is modified when moved within the magnetic field, allowing the integrated circuit to determine if the PBA has been tampered with by comparing the stored data before and after engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a magnetic data storage device is placed near a permanent magnet for data writing, then data can be stored on the device, but the device becomes vulnerable to unauthorized modification when moved within the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by writing data to the magnetic data storage device before the PBA is removed from the MIB. The system writes authentication data or configuration data to the magnetic storage device while it is still in the safe position within the connector housing, away from the permanent magnet. This ensures data is recorded in a controlled state before potential exposure to magnetic field interference occurs during removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful magnetic field interference into a beneficial security mechanism. When the PBA is removed from the MIB, the permanent magnet on the MIB intentionally modifies the data on the magnetic data storage device to indicate tampering. The system detects this magnetic field-induced data modification as evidence of unauthorized removal, transforming what would normally be considered harmful interference into a useful security feature for detecting PBA tampering
2Reliability
If the permanent magnet and magnetic data storage device are positioned close together, then data modification detection is enabled, but the risk of accidental data corruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data writing to the magnetic data storage device before the PBA is removed from the MIB. During this initial state, the magnetic data storage device is positioned away from the permanent magnet, ensuring data is written without magnetic interference. Only after this safe data writing phase does the system allow PBA removal, which then triggers the intended magnetic field interaction for detection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the relative positioning between the permanent magnet and magnetic data storage device based on the operational state. When the PBA is installed, the magnetic data storage device is positioned away from the permanent magnet for safe data writing. When the PBA is removed, the magnetic data storage device moves into the permanent magnet's magnetic field for detection. This dynamic positioning controls when magnetic interaction occurs, preventing accidental corruption during normal operation
3Ease of operation
If the connector housings are designed for removable engagement, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but detection of unauthorized removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection mechanisms with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical switches, sensors, or physical interlocks to detect PBA removal, the system uses the permanent magnet's magnetic field to modify data on the magnetic data storage device. This substitution maintains the simplicity of removable connector engagement while adding sophisticated magnetic field-based detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the permanent magnet and the magnetic data storage device to transmit removal detection information. When the PBA is removed, the permanent magnet's magnetic field serves as the intermediary mechanism that modifies the data on the magnetic data storage device, which then serves as evidence of removal. This intermediary approach enables detection without requiring direct mechanical or electrical contact between detection components
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
This solution provides a secure method to detect PBA movement and tampering by modifying data stored on the magnetic data storage device when the PBA is disengaged, ensuring the integrity of proprietary data by determining if the device has been moved relative to the permanent magnet.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet is sufficient to effect modification of the data stored in the magnetic data storage device when the magnetic data storage device is moved within the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system may include a first connector housing, a magnetic data storage device mechanically coupled to the first connector housing, a second connector housing configured to be mechanically engaged with the first connector housing, and a permanent magnet mechanically coupled to the second cavity. In some examples, relative motion between the magnetic data storage device and the permanent magnetic causes data stored on the magnetic data storage device to be modified. In one example, the system further includes a printed board assembly mechanically coupled to one of the first or second connector housings and a master interconnect board mechanically coupled to the other one of the first or connector housings. Modification to the data stored on the magnetic data storage device may indicate relative movement between the first and second connector housings.