Switching Apparatus Radio Module Manual Deactivation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing switching apparatuses with permanently connected radio modules are vulnerable to unauthorized access, compromising security and allowing potential manipulation of data, leading to critical malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a manual operating element that physically deactivates the radio module, ensuring wireless communication is only possible when actively enabled, reducing energy consumption and preventing unauthorized access through software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the radio module is permanently connected for continuous communication, then monitoring and control functionality is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidunauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radio module transitions from a static permanently connected state to a dynamic state that can be switched between active and deactivated modes through the manual operating element, allowing the system to adapt its communication availability based on security requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operational state parameter of the radio module is changed from permanently active to controllable states (active/deactivated) through physical intervention, fundamentally altering the security profile while maintaining communication capability when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If the radio module is permanently active for continuous monitoring, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of continuous operation, the radio module operates periodically or on-demand based on manual activation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining information availability when required by switching personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If software-based security measures are used to protect the radio module, then system complexity is reduced, but security reliability decreases due to potential software vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidsecurity reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Software-based security mechanisms are replaced with a physical mechanical security measure (the manual operating element that requires physical manipulation to activate/deactivate the radio module), eliminating software vulnerabilities related to unauthorized access while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10681549B2Switching apparatus with radio module and deactivation function

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

A switching apparatus has a switching device and a radio module. The radio module is provided for the purpose of making available a piece of information about an operating state of the switching device in wirelessly retrievable fashion. The switching apparatus is distinguished at least in that the switching apparatus has a manual operating element that can be used to physically deactivate the radio module.