USB Triggered Chassis Unlock for Powered-Off Host Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing host systems with electronic locks cannot unlock the computer chassis when the system is powered off or in an abnormal condition, as users cannot access the security authentication mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A host system and method that utilize a system circuit board with USB ports, which detects a predetermined input sequence when triggered by a voltage, allowing the system to output an unlock signal to the electronic lock even when the system is not activated, enabling security authentication and unlocking the chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system circuit board is powered off or in abnormal condition, then power consumption is reduced and system stability is improved, but the user cannot access the security authentication mechanism to unlock the electronic lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling the security authentication mechanism to be activated before the system circuit board is fully powered on. When the system is in an unactivated state, inserting a USB device triggers the security authentication mechanism to activate, allowing password input and electronic lock unlocking before the main system operations begin. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the security function in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a USB device as an intermediary to trigger the security authentication mechanism. The USB device insertion acts as a mediator that activates the security system even when the main system is powered off, bridging the gap between system power state and security access capability.
2Device complexity
If the security authentication mechanism is only accessible when the system is powered on, then system complexity is reduced, but the electronic lock cannot be unlocked under abnormal conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The security authentication mechanism is activated in advance through USB device insertion before the system circuit board completes its power-on sequence. This preliminary activation allows the security system to function independently of the main system's power state, enabling lock unlocking even when the system is in an abnormal or unactivated condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on USB device insertion. When a USB device is detected, the security authentication mechanism transitions from an inactive to an active state, creating a dynamic system that can adapt to different power conditions and enable authentication when traditionally it would be unavailable.
3Device complexity
If the system requires full activation for security authentication, then power management is simplified, but users cannot access security features during system shutdown or abnormal states
Solution Approach 1:
The security authentication mechanism is activated preliminarily through USB device insertion before the system completes its full power-on sequence. This allows the security system to operate in a preliminary activation state, enabling authentication functionality without requiring complete system activation and thus maintaining power management simplicity while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface serves multiple functions: it acts as a standard data/power interface when the system is active, and simultaneously serves as a trigger mechanism for security authentication when the system is unactivated. This multi-functionality increases system versatility without significantly complicating power management.
Data Source
AI summary
A host system and a method for unlocking an electronic lock are provided. The host system includes a chassis, an electronic lock and a system circuit board. The chassis has a side door. The electronic lock is arranged on the side door for locking the side door on the chassis. The system circuit board is configured in the chassis, coupled to the electronic lock, and the system board has a plurality of universal serial bus ports. When the system board is not activated and a trigger voltage is received, the system circuit board detects an input sequence in which the USB ports are being inserted, and when the input sequence is equal to a predetermined sequence, the system circuit board outputs an unlock signal to the electronic lock so as to unlock the electronic lock device.