Tamper-Evident Port Protector With Disarmable Self-Locking Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication ports lack secure self-locking mechanisms, tamper evident safeguards, and easy disarming features, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering.
Innovation Solution
A disarmable port protector with a lock body and key body that securely engages the communication port, featuring a self-locking mechanism and tamper evident disarming, ensuring conspicuous residual indication of tampering and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a port protector is installed to block access to a communication port, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the device becomes more complex and harder to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The port protector is divided into two main segments: a lock body that remains in the port and a key body that can be removed. The lock body contains the self-locking mechanism while the key body contains the disarming mechanism. This segmentation allows the protector to provide security while enabling controlled removal through the separate key component.
Solution Approach 2:
The port protector employs dynamic elements including a movable key body that can transition between locked and disarmed positions, and a self-locking mechanism that dynamically engages and disengages based on the key body's position. The resilient member provides dynamic locking force that automatically engages when the key body is inserted and disengages when actuated.
2Reliability
If a self-locking mechanism is added to secure the port protector, then tamper evident protection is improved, but the ease of operation for removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The port protector features a self-locking mechanism that automatically engages when the key body is inserted into the lock body. The resilient member automatically applies locking force without requiring additional user action. For removal, the system is self-service in that actuating the key body automatically triggers the disarming sequence, causing the lock body to release from the port without requiring external tools or complex manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The key body is pre-configured with a disarming portion that, when actuated, automatically initiates the disarming sequence. The keying portion is pre-positioned to engage with the lock body in a specific manner that enables the self-locking mechanism to be triggered. This preliminary configuration allows the user to simply push the key body to activate the entire disarming process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the port protector is made simple in structure, then ease of manufacture and handling is improved, but the effectiveness of tamper evident safeguards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The port protector incorporates visual indicators that change appearance based on the locking state. The lock body and key body are designed with visible features that show whether the protector is locked or disarmed. When the key body is actuated, the disarming portion moves to a position that provides visual confirmation of the disarmed state, offering tamper evident indication without complex electronics or materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The port protector uses changes in physical parameters such as position and engagement state to indicate tampering. The key body's position relative to the lock body serves as a parameter that indicates the locking state. When the key body is inserted, it engages the self-locking mechanism; when actuated, it moves to a disarmed position. These parameter changes provide simple visual indicators of the protector's state without requiring complex safeguard mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A disarmable port protector for locking engagement of a communication port of electronic equipment includes a lock body for retentively engaging the communication port when disposed at a locking position. The lock body includes an interface portion and an engagement portion extending longitudinally therefrom. A key body coupled to the lock body is displaceable between protecting and disarming positions relative to the lock body. The key body includes a base portion and a disarming portion extending longitudinally therefrom. The disarming portion in the disarming position disengages the lock body from the communication port for withdrawal from the locking position. A keying portion extends from the base portion for stopping engagement of the lock body when in the protecting position. The key body is released for displacement to the disarming position upon the keying portion being at least partially displaced relative to the base portion in tamper evident manner.