Mobile Payment Terminal Electromechanical Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile payment terminals lack a secure and simple system for locking onto digital media, making them susceptible to theft and accidental detachment, with existing solutions being either insecure or costly.
Innovation Solution
A mobile electronic device with reversible securing means and internal electromechanical actuators that control unlocking, allowing secure locking and easy removal only through electronic command, using features like electromechanical actuators and magnetic locking systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the terminal is simply inserted into a base with clips, then the terminal is easily removable for customer use, but the terminal becomes susceptible to theft and unauthorized removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical clip-based locking system with an electromechanical system. The base includes an electromechanical actuator that can actively engage and disengage locking elements, transforming the passive mechanical connection into an active controlled system. This allows the terminal to be securely locked during transport while enabling easy authorized removal through electronic control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal itself serves as the control mechanism for unlocking. When the terminal is properly inserted into the base, it automatically triggers the unlocking sequence through its presence and communication capabilities, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. The terminal's own operational state (power on, communication established) becomes the key to unlocking, making the system self-serve its security function.
2Reliability
If a locking system is implemented to prevent unauthorized removal, then security against theft is improved, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the terminal, houses the electromechanical actuator for secure locking, and incorporates control electronics for monitoring and unlocking. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated base, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control signal as an intermediary between the user's intent to remove the terminal and the actual mechanical unlocking action. Rather than direct manual manipulation of mechanical locks, the system uses electronic control signals mediated through the terminal's communication interface to trigger the electromechanical actuator, simplifying the user interaction while maintaining security control.
3Reliability
If a locking system is implemented to prevent unauthorized removal, then security against theft is improved, but the cost of the system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the locking system by using low-power electromechanical actuators that consume minimal energy and can be controlled through simple digital signals. The actuator operates in discrete states (locked/unlocked) rather than requiring continuous control, and the unlocking trigger is based on the terminal's operational status rather than complex authentication sequences, reducing the cost of control electronics and actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the security locking function with the existing base structure that provides mechanical support. Rather than adding a separate locking mechanism to an existing simple base, the design integrates the electromechanical actuator and control electronics directly into the base unit, combining structural support and security functions in a single manufactured component, thereby reducing overall system cost.
4Reliability
If the terminal is securely locked to the support, then theft is prevented, but the terminal cannot be easily removed for transaction use
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the communication link and authentication protocol between the terminal and base before the actual removal action is needed. When the terminal is inserted, the base immediately begins monitoring its operational status and prepares the unlocking sequence. This preliminary setup ensures that when removal is authorized, the unlocking action can execute immediately without delay for authentication or system preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic controllable state. The electromechanical actuator can rapidly switch between locked and unlocked positions in response to control signals, and the control system dynamically adjusts the locking state based on the terminal's operational status. This dynamic behavior allows the system to maintain security during transport while enabling rapid transitions to an unlocked state for transaction use.
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
The solution provides a secure, reliable, and cost-effective method to prevent theft and accidental detachment, ensuring easy and quick removal while maintaining stability and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The invention proposes a mobile electronic device with reversible securing means and internal electromechanical actuators that control unlocking
Implementation Method 2
using features like electromechanical actuators and magnetic locking systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic mobile payment terminal (10) comprising reversible securing means (11) for securing to a support (20). According to the invention, said electronic payment terminal (10) comprises means for controlling the unlocking of the reversible securing means (11), which allow said electronic payment terminal (10) to be detached from said support (20).