PCB Edge Protection Rail for Copy Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printed circuit boards are vulnerable to unauthorized copying, leading to economic damage and potential malfunctions, as existing counterfeiting prevention methods are either complex or not effectively utilized.
Innovation Solution
A printed circuit board design incorporating an edge protection strip that connects two contact points electrically, allowing for resistance measurement to verify the presence of the strip, thereby enabling or disabling the circuit board's operation, and potentially damaging if the device is opened improperly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional edge protectors are used to protect PCB edges mechanically, then mechanical protection is improved, but electrical functionality for copy protection is not utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The edge protector is designed to serve dual purposes: mechanical protection of the PCB edge and electrical connection between contact points. By making the edge protector electrically conductive and positioning it to bridge contact points on opposite sides of the board, a single component performs both protective and authentication functions, eliminating the need for separate electrical connection elements.
2Reliability
If complex counterfeit protection devices are implemented, then copy protection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication function is extracted from complex protective devices and integrated into the existing edge protector component. By removing the need for separate authentication mechanisms and using the edge protector's inherent conductivity and positioning, the solution achieves copy protection through a simple resistance measurement between contact points, dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The edge protector is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and integrated. Its authentication function relies on basic electrical resistance measurement rather than complex electronics, making it cost-effective and suitable for mass production while maintaining reliable copy protection.
3Reliability
If existing protective elements are placed between wiring leads, then copy protection is achieved, but visibility and detectability from outside are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of hiding the protective element between wiring leads as in conventional solutions, the edge protector is positioned on the external edge of the PCB where it is visible and accessible. The authentication mechanism is inverted: rather than measuring properties of a hidden internal element, the system uses the presence and electrical properties of the externally visible edge protector as the authentication feature.
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 simple, effective means to distinguish authentic from copied boards by ensuring the edge protection strip's presence is required for operation, preventing unauthorized use and ensuring the board's functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an edge protection strip (5) which protects a free edge (4) of the printed circuit board (1) and electrically connects two contact points (TP11, TP18) of the printed circuit board (1) to one another
Implementation Method 2
The electrical properties of the protective element are measured during operation of the printed circuit board
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A printed circuit board (1) with conductive traces (2) and electronic components (3) arranged on it and connected to the conductive traces (2) has a power supply connection and at least two contact points (TP11, TP18). The contact points (TP11, TP18) are arranged at a distance from each other in the area of a free edge (4) of the printed circuit board (1) and are covered by an electrically conductive edge protection profile, which is electrically connected to each other. The printed circuit board has a protective device that checks the connection status of the at least two contact points (TP11, TP18) and, if there is no electrical connection between the contact points (TP11, TP18), disrupts or disables the function of at least one of the electronic components of the printed circuit board. The edge protection profile is part of a copy protection device.