Muscle/Memory Wire Component Locks with BIOS Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems lack adequate solutions for secure and controlled access to components, as unfettered access can lead to theft, damage, or unauthorized configuration changes during repairs or upgrades.
Innovation Solution
Implement muscle/memory wire locks controlled by BIOS settings, which can be unlocked via authentication and user authorization, including video verification, to ensure authorized access and tamper-evident security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If muscle wire locks are used to secure components, then security against theft and unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism with the existing BIOS system and authentication framework already present in computers. The muscle wire locks are integrated into the device's existing power and control infrastructure, merging security functionality with the operating system and BIOS rather than adding completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The muscle wire locks serve multiple functions: they physically secure components against removal, provide tamper evidence through breakage detection, and integrate with the authentication system to control access based on user credentials. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security mechanisms.
2Reliability
If authentication and video verification are required before unlocking, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs authentication and video verification in advance before allowing component removal. By completing these security checks beforehand, the system ensures that only authorized users with proper knowledge can unlock components, while still providing a streamlined process for legitimate repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The BIOS system acts as an intermediary between the user and the muscle wire lock mechanism. It manages the authentication process, verifies credentials, controls the timing of voltage application to the muscle wire, and coordinates the unlocking sequence, simplifying the user experience while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If BIOS control is used to apply voltage to muscle wire, then access control security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integrated control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control system for the muscle wire locks is merged with the existing BIOS and power management infrastructure of the computer. The same power supply and control circuits that manage other device functions are used to apply voltage to the muscle wire, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control hardware.
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
Provides secure, tamper-proof access to device components, ensuring authorized repairs and component tracking, while preventing unauthorized access and theft.
Implementation Method 1
The storage includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to execute a basic input/output system (BIOS) to apply voltage to muscle wire within the first device
Implementation Method 2
the muscle wire locks a component of the first device in place without voltage being applied to the muscle wire so that, responsive to the BIOS applying voltage to the muscle wire, the muscle wire unlocks the component
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a device includes at least one processor and storage accessible to the at least one processor. The storage includes instructions executable by the at least one processor to execute a basic input/output system (BIOS) to apply voltage to muscle wire within the device (and/or apply heat to memory wire within the device). The wire locks a component of the device in place without voltage (or heat) being applied to the wire so that, responsive to the BIOS influencing the wire, the wire unlocks the component for removal from the device.