Disposable USB Port Protector for Data Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB ports on personal computers are vulnerable to data extraction and malicious software infiltration, necessitating a solution to render them unusable when desired.
Innovation Solution
A USB port protector comprising a top piece with a rectangular surface, a shim-like piece, and a tongued planar surface, designed to be slideably inserted into the port to prevent electrical connections, utilizing materials like plastic, glass, or epoxy, and featuring specific cutouts and projections to ensure the port remains unused.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a USB port is left open and accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but security against data extraction and malicious software infiltration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable USB port cover that is inserted into the port to block access. This single-use protective element provides security by physically blocking the port when not in use, then is discarded after one use, eliminating the need for complex reusable locking mechanisms while effectively preventing data extraction and malicious software infiltration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a USB port protector is inserted to prevent connection, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The USB port protector is divided into multiple segments or components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the security device to be quickly installed by inserting individual parts into the port, and just as easily removed when USB connectivity is needed, thus maintaining both security and operational ease.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex locking mechanism is used to secure the USB port, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security function from a complex locking mechanism and implements it through a simple physical barrier - a cover or plug that is inserted into the USB port. This removes the need for complex mechanical or electronic locking systems while providing effective security against data extraction and malicious software infiltration through a straightforward physical blocking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A Universal Serial Bus port protector having a top piece and a tongued planar surface, where the top piece includes a rectangular surface, a rectangular planar surface, a box having an open bottom and an open top, and a shim-like piece, and where the tongued planar surface includes a tongued portion and an untongued portion, where the tongued portion includes one dado and two rabbet cuts and two projections, where the top piece and the tongued planar surface are slideably insertable into and extractable from a Universal Serial Bus port to ensure that no electrical connection is made to the Universal Serial Bus port when the top piece and the tongued planar surface are so inserted.