PCB Ground Ring Intrusion Detection for Chassis Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems lack effective mechanisms to detect and prevent malicious intrusions into their chassis, which can compromise system integrity and security.
Innovation Solution
An intrusion detection apparatus featuring a printed circuit board (PCB) with conductive pads and a conductive ground ring, coupled with a mechanical pin and gasket, provides signals indicating proper chassis coupling and detects foreign conductive objects to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional chassis coupling mechanisms are used, then mechanical assembly is simple, but intrusion detection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chassis coupling mechanism with intrusion detection functionality by integrating conductive pads, ground rings, and mechanical pins into a single unified structure. The electrical switch is built directly into the PCB assembly, merging mechanical assembly and security detection into one component set, thereby improving security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive gasket acts as an intermediary element between the mechanical pin and the conductive pads. It transfers both mechanical force (for coupling detection) and electrical signals (for intrusion detection) between components, enabling dual functionality through a single intermediary component.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If foreign object detection is added to the chassis coupling mechanism, then intrusion detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones on the PCB: conductive pads for coupling detection, ground rings for foreign object detection, and conductive paths that route signals separately. This segmentation allows each detection function to be manufactured and tested independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive paths on the PCB serve multiple functions: they connect the conductive pads to the electrical switch, connect the ground rings to detection circuitry, and provide reference ground connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conductive pads and ground rings are integrated on the PCB, then intrusion signal detection is enabled, but electrical switch complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pads and ground rings are implemented as thin conductive traces and rings on the PCB surface rather than bulky three-dimensional components. This thin-film approach maintains electrical functionality while minimizing structural complexity and space requirements of the electrical switch assembly.
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 effectively protects the information handling system from malicious intrusions by providing real-time signals for proper chassis coupling and detecting foreign objects, enhancing system security and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive gasket is in contact with the conductive pads to provide a signal indicating that the first portion of the chassis is coupled to the remaining portions of the information handling system
Implementation Method 2
the ground ring provides an intrusion signal when a foreign conductive object is in contact with the ground ring to indicate a presence of the foreign conductive object
Data Source
AI summary
An intrusion detection apparatus, including: a printed circuit board (PCB), including: an electrical switch, the electrical switch including: conductive pads positioned on a top layer of the PCB, and a conductive ground ring positioned on the top layer and surrounding the conductive pads; and a mechanical pin coupled to a first portion of a chassis of the information handling system at a first end of the mechanical pin, the mechanical pin including a conductive gasket positioned at a second end of the mechanical pin, the first end opposite to the second end, wherein the ground ring provides an intrusion signal when a foreign conductive object is in contact with the ground ring to indicate a presence of the foreign conductive object.