Hardware Switch for Peripheral Disconnection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to disable integrated peripherals in computing devices securely and efficiently, particularly to prevent malware interference and ensure data privacy, as existing technologies lack a reliable method for direct hardware control over peripheral connections.

Innovation Solution

A peripheral disconnection switch system that includes a hardware switch connected to at least one peripheral, allowing for direct electrical control over the connection between the peripheral and the processor, enabling the peripheral to be disabled by physically disconnecting the circuit line or generating an interrupt, while ensuring proper signal termination and maintaining peripheral operability for quick reconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If integrated peripherals remain constantly connected to the processor via bus for ease of operation, then peripheral functionality is always available, but security vulnerability increases due to potential malware interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperipheral availabilityVSAvoidmalware interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a hardware switch as an intermediary component positioned between the peripheral and the processor bus. This switch acts as a physical mediator that can disconnect the peripheral from the system bus, preventing malware from accessing or interfering with the peripheral while maintaining the ability to reconnect when needed. The switch provides a security layer without permanently sacrificing peripheral availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a hardware switch is introduced to disconnect peripherals for security, then security against malware is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalware interferenceVSAvoidhardware configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection between the peripheral and the processor by introducing a discrete hardware switch component. This segmentation allows the system to be divided into controllable sections, where the switch can independently manage the connection state without affecting other system components. The modular nature of the switch keeps the added complexity localized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If peripherals are physically disconnected to prevent malware access, then security is enhanced, but reconnection time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalware interferenceVSAvoidreconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hardware switch is designed to be user-operable, allowing individuals to independently connect or disconnect peripherals without requiring technical expertise, driver reinstallation, or complex system configuration. The switch provides self-service functionality where the user can quickly restore peripheral access by simply operating the switch, eliminating the time-consuming reconnection processes associated with traditional disconnection methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10915484B2Peripheral disconnection switch system and method
Publication Date: 2021.02.09 KATIM LLC
  • US10915484B2 patent drawing
  • US10915484B2 patent drawing
  • US10915484B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A peripheral disconnection switch system and method are provided. The system comprises at least one peripheral connected to a processor, and a hardware switch connected to the at least one peripheral. The system is operable such that engaging the hardware switch disables the at least one peripheral.