Terminal Assembly With Spring Locking for Tamper-Resistant Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional terminal devices, such as fingerprint recognition devices, are vulnerable to unauthorized disassembly, leading to data tampering and require cumbersome screw-based installation methods, which decrease installation convenience.

Innovation Solution

A terminal apparatus assembly with a locking unit featuring an inner locking part that moves between locked and unlocked states, allowing secure fastening to a bracket using leaf springs and guide parts for easy installation and tamper detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a screw fastening method is used to fix the terminal to the bracket, then the terminal can be securely fastened, but additional tools are required and installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fasteningVSAvoidinstallation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screw-based mechanical fastening system with a spring-based elastic locking mechanism. The locking unit includes a spring that provides continuous elastic force to maintain engagement between the terminal and bracket, eliminating the need for screws and screwdrivers while achieving secure fastening through elastic deformation and mechanical interlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-based locking mechanism is designed to be self-installing without requiring additional tools. The elastic nature of the spring allows the terminal to be simply placed onto the bracket where the spring automatically engages and locks the terminal in position through its elastic force, making the installation process tool-free and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the terminal is made easily detachable for convenience, then installation and removal become simple, but unauthorized disassembly and data tampering risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation convenienceVSAvoidprotection against unauthorized disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a static screw connection to a dynamic spring-based system that can respond to applied forces. The spring can be compressed to release the locking engagement, allowing legitimate users to detach the terminal easily by applying force in a specific direction, while the same mechanism prevents unauthorized removal through its elastic retention force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking unit is divided into separate functional components: the spring element, the locking protrusion, and the engagement surface. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide both easy attachment (through simple placement) and secure retention (through elastic locking), while the structured design enables controlled detachment through force application to overcome the spring force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution provides secure fastening and convenient installation of terminal devices, preventing unauthorized disassembly and protecting against data tampering.

Implementation Method 1

the second inner locker may be a leaf spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4242903B1Terminal apparatus assembly and terminal equipment including same
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 SUPREMA INC
  • EP4242903B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4242903B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4242903B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A terminal apparatus assembly include: a terminal configured to be selectively fastened to a bracket; and a locking unit including an inner locking part configured to be movable with respect to the bracket such that the terminal and the bracket are fastened to or separated from each other. The inner locking part is configured to move in one direction toward the bracket or the terminal when at least a portion is pressed by an external force and to move in a direction opposite to the one direction by a restoring force when the pressing is released.