Sensitive Element Protection via Shield and Elastic Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current payment devices inadequately protect sensitive elements, such as internal security chips, which store and transmit user account and transaction information, making them vulnerable to data theft.
Innovation Solution
A sensitive element protection mechanism comprising a circuit board, a shield, and an elastic member that connects the circuit board to the shield, with the sensitive element positioned between them, along with additional shielding features like a PCB wall and a zebra strip, to prevent the circuit board from being separated and thus protect user information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the circuit board is made easily accessible for maintenance and operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security protection of sensitive elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The payment device is divided into separate modules: a first circuit board containing sensitive elements and a second circuit board for operation. This segmentation allows the sensitive elements to be physically isolated and protected while the operational interface remains accessible to users, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the first circuit board and the second circuit board. The shield physically blocks access to sensitive elements while still allowing necessary electrical connections and data transmission, enabling both security protection and operational functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the circuit board is made accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to data theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into an operational section (second circuit board) and a protected section (first circuit board with sensitive elements). Users can freely operate the accessible portion while the sensitive elements remain in a secured, hard-to-reach location, reducing data theft risk without compromising usability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield acts as a protective intermediary that physically separates the accessible operational area from the sensitive elements. This intermediary structure allows normal operation to proceed while blocking potential thieves from directly accessing the sensitive components.
3Reliability
If shielding structures are added to protect sensitive elements, then security protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is integrated with the existing circuit board structure, combining protective functionality with the device's structural components. This merging approach provides effective shielding without adding completely separate, complex protective systems, thus improving security while minimizing increases in overall device complexity.
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
Effectively shields sensitive information, preventing unauthorized access and data theft by securely connecting the circuit board to the shield, enhancing the protection of user accounts and transaction information.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member connecting the circuit board and the shield to prevent the circuit board from being separated from the shield
Data Source
AI summary
A sensitive element protection mechanism and a payment device using the sensitive element protection mechanism includes a circuit board; a sensitive element configured for storing, transmitting and/or processing user account information and user transaction information; a shield arranged in parallel with the circuit board; and an elastic member connecting the circuit board and the shield. The sensitive element is located on a side of the circuit board near the shield. The circuit board and the shield are provided and the sensitive element is provided between the circuit board and the shield so as to protect the sensitive element through the shield. The elastic member connects the circuit board and the shield to prevent the circuit board from being separated from the shield, thus preventing the circuit board from being opened to steal sensitive information in the sensitive element.