Electromechanical USB Port Lock with Coded Electronic Key
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing USB port locking devices lack secure and removable solutions, as they can be easily bypassed using unauthorized keys or tweezers, and do not provide adequate protection against data theft and virus transmission via USB drives.
Innovation Solution
A USB Port Lock and Electronic Key Device Programming System that combines a mechanically locked USB dongle with an electronic key, using an electromagnet to unlock the dongle only with a correctly coded electrical signal, preventing unauthorized access and allowing secure removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical USB port lock is used to block access, then USB port security is improved, but the locking device can be easily bypassed using unauthorized keys or tweezers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical locking system with an electromechanical system that uses an electromagnet to control the locking mechanism. The electromagnet receives electrical signals from authorized electronic keys, transforming the system from mechanical-only to electromechanical, thereby preventing bypass with simple mechanical tools like tweezers or unauthorized keys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic key as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The electronic key transmits coded electrical signals to the electromagnet, serving as a mediator that authenticates users before allowing the locking mechanism to disengage, thus preventing unauthorized access while maintaining secure operation.
2Reliability
If a permanent USB port plug is inserted to block access, then USB port protection is improved, but access to the port is permanently lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, permanent plug into a dynamic, controllable locking mechanism. The electromagnet enables the locking device to transition between locked and unlocked states based on received electrical signals, allowing the port to be securely blocked when needed while remaining accessible when authorized, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If a mechanical key system is used to unlock the plug, then removal capability is improved, but the system can be easily compromised by creating similar keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electromechanical system using coded electrical signals. Instead of relying on physical key shapes that can be replicated, the system uses electronic codes transmitted via electromagnet, making it significantly more difficult to compromise while maintaining easy authorized removal capability.
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
Provides enhanced security by requiring a specifically coded electronic key for unlocking, preventing data theft and virus transmission, and allowing secure removal of the locking dongle, thus offering greater protection for USB ports in secure environments.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnet unlocks the USB dongle in response to an electrical signal generated by an electronic key.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a programming system for a USB locking dongle that locks into a USB computer port. The programming system comprises programming a specific key device to unlock a specific USB locking dongle. The USB locking dongle is unlocked from the USB computer port independently of any input from the host computer.