Tamper Detection Device Using Inductive Charging for Unpowered Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tamper detection systems require power to operate and cannot detect tampering events when they are in an off state, making them ineffective for monitoring objects in unpowered conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tamper detection device that generates an electric current when the enclosure is opened, charging an electric storage device even when the product object is in an off state, allowing the device to determine tampering events upon powering up and transmitting outputs to the product object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tamper detection device requires power to operate continuously, then it can detect tampering events in real-time, but it cannot detect tampering events when the device is in an off state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a capacitor that charges up in advance during normal operation when power is available. This preliminary energy storage enables the system to detect tampering events even when the main power is off, as the charged capacitor can power the detection circuit temporarily upon enclosure opening
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operational power to charge the capacitor during normal functioning, and then the capacitor independently powers the tamper detection when the main power is unavailable. This self-charging mechanism eliminates the need for external power sources or batteries
2Reliability
If the device monitors continuously to detect all tampering events, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system employs periodic monitoring triggered by enclosure opening events. The capacitor charges during normal operation and automatically triggers detection only when needed (upon opening), converting continuous energy consumption into event-driven periodic action
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips continuous operation and rushes through detection only at critical moments when the enclosure is opened. This allows the capacitor to power intensive detection operations briefly when needed, rather than maintaining constant power draw
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
Enables the detection of tampering events that occur while the device is unpowered, providing continuous monitoring and alerting capabilities without the need for constant power, and ensuring secure communication through cryptographic verification.
Implementation Method 1
an induced current generated in the wire coil when a movement of the first portion of the enclosure relative to the second portion of the enclosure causes a movement of the magnet relative to the wire coil
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor coupled to the wire coil to be charged by an induced current generated in the wire coil
Data Source
AI summary
A tamper detection device (TDD) includes a current generation system positioned relative to a first portion and a second portion of an enclosure to generate an electric current when the first portion moves relative to the second portion, the enclosure contains a product object and the TDD powered by the product object; an electric storage device coupled to the current generation system to be charged by the electric current, the electric current is generatable when the product object is off and the TDD is unpowered; a controller that determines, within a time window since the product object is switched on and powers the TDD at a particular time, that the electric storage device is charged, generates, responsive to such determination, a tampering output indicating that a tampering event has occurred when the product object is off prior to the particular time, and transmits the tampering output to the product object.