Tamper Proof Payment Reader 3D Cover Mesh
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current payment readers are vulnerable to tampering as their flat surfaces can be easily accessed and modified, allowing potential violators to bypass existing tamper detection mechanisms, such as conductive meshes, which can be damaged or peeled away.
Innovation Solution
A payment reader design featuring a housing with a non-conductive cover and a mesh of conductive traces on its lower surface, where the entire surface area of the cover forms a three-dimensional shape extending outward from the x-y plane, making it difficult for tamperers to expose and manipulate the mesh simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat plastic cover with conductive mesh is used, then the payment reader structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the cover is vulnerable to tampering as violators can easily access and damage the mesh
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the entire lower surface of the upper wall with a three-dimensional shape that extends outward from the x-y plane, creating a non-planar surface. This curved/bulging structure makes it difficult for violators to apply uniform force or access the conductive mesh, thereby enhancing tamper resistance without fundamentally changing the cover's basic structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional shaped surface by extending the lower surface outward in the z-direction. This dimensional change adds complexity to tampering attempts while maintaining the cover's essential function and relatively simple manufacturing process
2Reliability
If the entire surface area of the cover forms a three-dimensional shape, then tamper resistance is improved by complicating access to the mesh, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional shape is formed as a continuous curved surface extending from the x-y plane, which can be manufactured using standard molding techniques. The curvature provides enhanced tamper resistance while remaining compatible with conventional manufacturing processes, balancing protection with ease of manufacture
Data Source
AI summary
A payment reader is provided for use in a payment system. The payment reader includes a housing, a non-conductive cover covering the housing and forming an internal compartment, electronic circuitry within the internal compartment and surrounded by the cover, and a mesh of conductive traces provided on the cover and in communication with the electronic circuitry. The cover has an upper wall and interconnected side walls depending downwardly from the upper wall. The lower surface of the upper wall which faces the internal compartment has its entire surface area which is formed of at least one three-dimensional shape which extends outwardly from an x-y plane in the z-direction.