Secure Memory Card Reader Architecture With Integrated Protective PCB
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Memory card reading terminals face security vulnerabilities due to the memory card reader's design, which is a weak link in terms of protection against fraudulent access, and existing security enhancements complicate manufacturing and maintenance, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A three-part memory card reader architecture comprising a lower base, upper cover, and printed circuit with protective elements, where the printed circuit is fixed on the upper cover, offering enhanced security and simplified assembly, eliminating the need for complex LDS techniques and MID part production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective mesh and metal parts are added to secure the memory card reader, then security against fraudulent access is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective mesh, metal guide parts, and electrostatic discharge elements into a single integrated upper cover component. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for these security features, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining security functionality. The upper cover is produced as one piece with all protective elements built-in, rather than assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, incorporates the protective mesh for physical security, includes metal guide rods for mechanical guidance, and integrates electrostatic discharge comb elements. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining comprehensive security protection.
2Reliability
If multiple staggered component soldering steps are implemented to meet security standards, then security is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective mesh, metal guide parts, and electrostatic discharge elements are pre-integrated into the upper cover during its manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures security requirements are met before the upper cover is assembled to the rest of the card reader, eliminating the need for multiple subsequent soldering and assembly steps that would otherwise be required to install these security components separately.
3Reliability
If complex security features are integrated into the memory card reader, then security is improved, but maintenance becomes very complex or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The card reader is divided into distinct modular sections: the upper cover containing all security features, the lower base, and the memory card connector. This segmentation allows the upper cover to be removed and replaced as a single unit if security features need maintenance or replacement, without requiring disassembly or repair of the internal connector and circuit board components. The modular design simplifies maintenance by isolating complex security features to a replaceable module.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a memory card reader body (21) of generally rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising a memory card insertion slot (211) and a memory card connector housing (20), said reader body (21) comprising an upper cover (21B) and a lower base (21A). According to the proposed technique, such a body further comprises a printed circuit board (21C) fixed to an upper face of said upper cover (21B), said printed circuit board (21C) comprising at least one protective element.