Tamper-Resistant Security Device Using Electrical Contact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tamper switches in security systems are large, costly, and vulnerable to environmental damage, compromising the security system's integrity when tampered with.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece security device comprising a mounting plate and a mounting device with electrical contact points and a detection circuit that determines assembly status, reducing space occupation and cost while preventing environmental interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional tamper switch with elastic structure is used, then tamper detection function is achieved, but the device occupies excessive space and incurs high cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection functionVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential tamper detection function from the conventional elastic structure and implements it through a simplified electrical contact mechanism. The mounting device includes a contact point that electrically connects to the mounting plate when properly installed, eliminating the need for bulky elastic components while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical elastic structure with an electrical contact-based detection system. Instead of using elastic deformation to detect tampering, the system uses electrical continuity between contact points on the mounting plate and mounting device to determine installation status, thereby reducing mechanical complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a conventional tamper switch with elastic structure is used, then tamper detection function is achieved, but the device incurs high cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetamper detection functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive electrical contact points and conductive structures instead of costly elastic components. The mounting device and mounting plate use basic electrical contacts that are cheaper to manufacture, while still providing reliable tamper detection through electrical continuity testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing complex mechanical elastic structures with simpler electrical contact mechanisms, the patent reduces manufacturing costs. The electrical contact system requires fewer precision components and can be manufactured more efficiently, lowering overall device cost while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a hole is provided for the tamper switch terminal, then electrical connection is enabled, but mist, dust, and static electricity can enter and damage circuit components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidenvironmental damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electrical contact points directly into the mounting plate structure, with contact points positioned within recesses or channels that protect them from environmental elements. This nesting approach allows electrical connection while shielding the components from mist, dust, and static electricity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs protective coverings or seals around the electrical contact areas on the mounting plate. These protective structures act as barriers that prevent environmental contaminants from reaching the circuit components while still allowing the electrical contacts to function when the mounting device is properly installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enhances security system reliability by reducing space and cost, and protecting against tampering and environmental damage, with improved detection of assembly status through voltage level changes.

Implementation Method 1

improved detection of assembly status through voltage level changes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage level detection: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS9269241B2Tamper-resistant security device

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 SERCOMM CORP

AI summary

A security device comprises a mounting plate and a mounting device. The mounting plate, for being fixed to a surface, comprises a first electrical contact point and a second electrical contact point electrically connecting to the first electrical contact point. The mounting device is to be assembled to the mounting plate and comprises a third electrical contact point, a fourth electrical contact point and a detection circuit. The third electrical contact point is for contacting the first electrical contact point when the mounting device is assembled to the mounting plate. The fourth electrical contact point is for contacting the second electrical contact point when the mounting device is assembled to the mounting plate. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the fourth electrical contact point, for determining whether the fourth electrical contact point is electrically connected to the third electrical contact point.