Pass-through Adapter with Hermetically Sealed CIK Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cryptographic devices, such as crypto ignition keys (CIKs), are not submersible or waterproof, occupy excessive space with separate mechanical and electrical interfaces, and lack pass-through signaling, making them unsuitable for harsh environments and efficient use in devices like radios and secure telephone systems.

Innovation Solution

A pass-through adapter with a hermetically sealed crypto ignition key circuit that integrates input/output and CIK functions into a single, submersible device, using a configuration with dedicated and pass-through connector pins for secure operation and differential signaling, allowing for flexible packaging and enhanced functionality in limited spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current CIK devices use separate mechanical and electrical interfaces, then the CIK function is provided, but the device occupies excessive space and lacks pass-through signaling capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepass-through signaling capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate mechanical and electrical interfaces into a single integrated connector assembly. The electrical connector includes both CIK circuit connection pins and pass-through signaling pins in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical interfaces and reducing overall device volume while providing both CIK functionality and pass-through signaling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If current CIK devices are used in harsh environments, then the CIK function is provided, but the devices are not submersible or waterproof

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental resistanceVSAvoidwaterproof reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hermetically sealed enclosure with gaskets or sealing membranes that create a waterproof barrier around the CIK circuit and connector assembly. This protective shell structure allows the device to be submersible and resistant to harsh environmental conditions while maintaining electrical connectivity and CIK functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If separate mechanical interfaces are included in CIK devices, then the CIK function is provided, but significant mechanical volume is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector integrationVSAvoidmechanical volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the mechanical interface and electrical connector into a single unified component structure. The electrical connector assembly serves as both the mechanical mounting interface and the electrical connection interface, eliminating redundant mechanical parts and significantly reducing the mechanical volume required while maintaining ease of operation and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8364976B2Pass-through adapter with crypto ignition key (CIK) functionality
Publication Date: 2013.01.29 L3HARRIS GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS INC
  • US8364976B2 patent drawing
  • US8364976B2 patent drawing
  • US8364976B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A pass-through adapter includes an adapter body having at least two connector pin interfaces, with one configured for coupling to an external device such as a communications device. Each connector pin interface includes a plurality of connector pins, including a plurality of pass-through connector pins operative with each other for in-line, pass-through signaling when the pass-through adapter is coupled to the external device. A crypto ignition key (CIK) circuit is contained within the adapter body and connected to at least one of the connector pins to provide a secure mode of operation for the external device.