Tamper-Detection Device Using Ball Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tamper-detection methods for electronic apparatus casings are unreliable due to fragile labels that can break or detach, leading to erroneous decisions regarding unauthorized opening and damage responsibility.
Innovation Solution
A tamper-detection device comprising a base plate, vibrator, sensor, carrier with receiving grooves, balls, waveguide element, and magnetic element, which records and verifies the arrangement of balls to determine if the casing has been opened, making it difficult for users to hide the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a label is stuck on the screw hole to record casing opening history, then the integrity recording function is provided, but the label is fragile and may break or detach under normal use leading to erroneous detection results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical label-sticking system with an optical detection system. A sensor detects the arrangement state of balls in cavities, and this information is processed by a controller to determine whether the casing has been opened. This substitution eliminates the fragility of physical labels while maintaining the integrity recording function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a physical copy of the opening state information through the arrangement of balls in specific cavities. The balls' positions serve as a tangible record that can be detected optically, providing a more reliable copy of the integrity status compared to fragile labels.
2Reliability
If a complex tamper-detection device with multiple components is implemented, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it stores the reference arrangement state, processes sensor detection signals, determines whether tampering has occurred, and can issue warnings or limit device operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the physical ball arrangement and the controller's digital processing system. It converts the mechanical state of balls into detectable signals without requiring complex direct mechanical linkages between all components.
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 determines if the electronic apparatus casing has been opened, ensuring accurate responsibility assessment for damage or malfunction, and can prevent further tampering by transmitting a warning signal or limiting device functions.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator (20), which vibrates the waveguide element (60)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (30), which detects vibration of the waveguide element (60)
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic element (70), which is attracted to the waveguide element (60)
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method to detect unauthorized opening of a casing is disposed in the upper or lower casing of an apparatus. The device includes a base plate with vibrator, carrier, and sensor on the lower case, and receiving grooves. Balls of a lesser number than the number of receiving grooves are installed in the grooves in a predetermined arrangement by the manufacturer. A waveguide element and magnet, fixed on the upper casing, is in contact with the balls, and when the waveguide is vibrated, the number and locations of the balls govern the form of a setting signal derived therefrom at the factory. If the upper casing is separated from the lower casing, the waveguide element separates from the carrier, the magnetic element gathers the balls, the predetermined arrangement being thereby lost, when tested by an authorized repair engineer.