Thermostat Circuit-Board Switching for Tamper-Resistant Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats lack a tamper-resistant mechanism to prevent unauthorized users from adjusting temperature settings outside cost-effective or medically safe ranges, and current solutions either fail to restrict access effectively or lack flexibility for administrative users to adjust limits.
Innovation Solution
A circuit board with a hidden switching mechanism that allows users to set temperature limits for heating and cooling systems, accessible through a hidden menu system, which can be physically or remotely interacted with, enabling administrators to set and adjust upper and lower temperature limits while restricting non-administrative users to predefined ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a security code is required to set temperature limits, then unauthorized adjustments are prevented, but the system can be hacked or codes found online, defeating the purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable software-based security code system and extracts the limit-setting function to a separate physical component (jumper or switch) located on the circuit board. This physical mechanism cannot be accessed or modified through software hacking, thereby eliminating the vulnerability to online code discovery and system breaches while maintaining reliable temperature limit enforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a physical intermediary component (jumper or switch) that mediates between the administrator's intent to set limits and the thermostat's limit-enforcing functionality. This intermediary requires physical access to the circuit board for configuration, creating a security layer that cannot be bypassed through software attacks or remote hacking attempts.
2Reliability
If temperature limits are permanently fixed in the circuit, then tamper resistance is improved, but flexibility is lost requiring purchase of new units to alter limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic configuration mechanism where temperature limits can be adjusted by physically repositioning a jumper or switch on the circuit board. This allows the system to transition between different limit configurations without requiring replacement of the entire thermostat unit, providing both tamper resistance during operation and flexibility when reconfiguration is needed by authorized personnel.
3Ease of operation
If standard buttons are provided for temperature adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized users can adjust settings outside cost-effective ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermostat's functionality into two distinct operational modes: a user mode with standard buttons for comfortable temperature adjustment within preset limits, and an administrator mode requiring physical circuit board access for limit reconfiguration. This segmentation allows ease of operation for daily use while preventing unauthorized energy-wasting adjustments through the built-in limit enforcement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat resists tampering by including a hidden mechanism for switching from a limit setting mode to an operation mode. In some embodiments, the switching mechanism is in the form of a tamper proof switch or jumper on the thermostat's circuit board. The switching mechanism can be hidden from a potential non-administrative user and can be located on the circuit board of the thermostat, as opposed to on the external housing. While the switching mechanism is in limit setting mode, the limits of the thermostat's temperature range can be adjusted. Once these limits have been set, the adjuster can move the switching mechanism to operation mode, and the thermostat will now be able to maintain temperatures within the new limit settings.