Router Security Enclosure for Data Exchanger Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Routers in publicly accessible areas often have their data exchanger components unprotected, making them vulnerable to tampering, damage, or theft, even if the router itself is securely mounted.

Innovation Solution

A security enclosure is designed to cover and protect the data exchanger when connected to the router, providing unauthorized access prevention by attaching securely to the router.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the router is securely mounted to a wall or location, then the router itself is protected from unauthorized removal, but the data exchanger remains unprotected and vulnerable to tampering, damage or theft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverouter securityVSAvoiddata exchanger vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The security enclosure is divided into separate components: a base portion that attaches to the router and a cover portion that protects the data exchanger. This segmentation allows the data exchanger to be protected independently from the router mounting, resolving the vulnerability without requiring remounting the entire router assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The security enclosure is designed to attach to the router while providing an additional protective layer around the data exchanger. The enclosure nests around the vulnerable component, creating a nested protection structure where the router provides primary mounting security and the enclosure provides secondary component-specific protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the data exchanger is left accessible for easy connection and maintenance, then operational convenience is improved, but unauthorized access and tampering become possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchanger accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized access
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The security enclosure is pre-configured with attachment features that align with the router structure. The base portion attaches to the router body while the cover portion is positioned to protect the data exchanger, establishing protection before any unauthorized access can occur. Authorized access is facilitated through designed opening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The security enclosure acts as an intermediary protective layer between the data exchanger and unauthorized users. It provides controlled access points that allow legitimate operations while blocking unauthorized interference, mediating between security requirements and operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8480761B2Security enclosure for a router
Publication Date: 2013.07.09 CRADLEPOINT INC
  • US8480761B2 patent drawing
  • US8480761B2 patent drawing
  • US8480761B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A router comprises a local network interface and routing services. The router also includes a data exchanger interface that can be configured to connect to a data exchanger. A security enclosure is configured to cover the data exchanger when the data exchanger is connected to the data exchanger interface.