Shielded Interface Module for All-in-One Workstations

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing all-in-one workstation computers face high costs and inefficiencies in protecting against eavesdropping, particularly in security-relevant applications, due to the need for expensive feedthrough filters to separate electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) zones.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a shielding circuit board within a shielding housing with distinct zones, including an evacuated zone for filtering, and an EMC seal to optimize signal shielding, reduces construction costs by using discrete SMD components and third-order filters for tailored signal adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If feedthrough filters are used to protect against eavesdropping in security-relevant applications, then security against eavesdropping is improved, but construction costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against eavesdroppingVSAvoidconstruction costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding housing is divided into multiple EMC zones (first inner zone, second inner zone, evacuated zone) with different shielding requirements. Each zone is optimized independently, allowing cost-effective protection where needed while reducing shielding in less critical areas, thereby lowering overall construction costs while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different zones within the shielding housing have different EMC protection levels tailored to their specific functions. The evacuated zone with filter elements provides enhanced filtering for cable harness signals, while other zones have appropriate shielding for their specific requirements, optimizing both security and cost efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If expensive feedthrough filters are used to separate EMC zones, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the shielding housing structure itself: electromagnetic shielding, cable harness routing through evacuated zone, signal filtering via filter elements in the evacuated zone, and zone separation. This integration reduces the need for separate feedthrough filters and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining EMC performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The evacuated zone acts as an intermediary between the first inner zone and second inner zone, providing a controlled environment for cable harness routing and signal filtering. This intermediate zone with filter elements effectively separates EMC zones without requiring complex feedthrough filter assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If comprehensive shielding is implemented throughout the entire housing, then shielding efficacy is improved, but construction costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding efficacyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding housing is segmented into multiple zones (first inner zone, second inner zone, evacuated zone) with different shielding characteristics. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function, providing effective shielding where needed while reducing complexity and cost in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each zone within the shielding housing has shielding properties tailored to its specific requirements. The evacuated zone has enhanced filtering for cable signals, while other zones have shielding appropriate to their functions, avoiding unnecessary complexity throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enhances security against eavesdropping while minimizing costs by creating a customizable EMC zone model with improved shielding efficacy, reducing external interference and construction expenses.

Implementation Method 1

filter elements, in particular for filtering between the first inner zone ( 7 ) and the second inner zone ( 8 ) and/or the outer zone ( 11 ) via the cable harness ( 21 ) transmitted signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

The shielding circuit board ( 2 ) essentially consists of a shielding housing ( 6 ), in particular made of metal, which has the required EMC properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 3

The evacuated zone ( 9 ) has an EMC seal ( 22 ) in the edge area for shielding the evacuated zone ( 9 )

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEMC sealing: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3141979B1Interface module having shield for a computer
Publication Date: 2022.03.02 SIEMENS AG
  • EP3141979B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141979B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an interface module (1) for a computer (5), in particular for an all-in-one workstation. To ensure increased security against eavesdropping, the interface module (1) has a shielding circuit board (2) which is provided for coupling the computer (4) with operating elements (23, 24) and/or external interfaces (16, 17, 18, 19) and which is surrounded by a shielding housing (6), wherein the shielding housing (6) has a first inner zone (7) for routing a cable harness (21) from the interface module (1) to the computer (4) and a second inner zone (8) for receiving the shielding circuit board (2).