Vehicle Controller Security Module with Scattered Pins
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle controllers lack a modification prevention device, making them vulnerable to dishonest modifications and disassembly, which compromises their security.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller with a security module frame and non-conductive and conductive insertion pins that form an encrypted pattern, preventing the pins from being restored to their original positions once disassembled, thus inhibiting unauthorized modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the vehicle controller is made disassemblable for maintenance and repair, then ease of repair is improved, but security against dishonest modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security module is divided into multiple separate components: a security module frame with coupling holes, multiple security modules (containing electronic components), non-conductive insertion pins, and conductive insertion pins. When disassembled, these segments scatter and cannot be easily reassembled into the original functional configuration, preventing dishonest modification while allowing authorized repair through controlled disassembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The security modules include both non-conductive and conductive insertion pins with different electrical properties, arranged in specific asymmetric patterns on the printed circuit board. This asymmetric configuration ensures that even if components are physically replaced, the electrical connectivity pattern cannot be replicated without the original pinned arrangement, maintaining security during repair processes
2Device complexity
If the vehicle controller structure is simplified without security modules, then device complexity is reduced, but security against modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security modules are nested within the existing vehicle controller structure: the security module frame is seated on the printed circuit board, security modules are inserted into coupling holes of the frame, and insertion pins are positioned within the security modules. This nested arrangement integrates security functionality into the existing controller without requiring a complete structural redesign, minimizing added complexity while maximizing security protection
3Reliability
If security modules are made permanently fixed to prevent modification, then security is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security module frame is pre-assembled with multiple coupling holes positioned at specific locations on the printed circuit board before final installation. This preliminary arrangement allows authorized service personnel to systematically remove and reassemble security modules in the correct sequence during legitimate repair operations, while preventing unauthorized modification attempts that would require complex reverse-engineering of the coupling structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle controller has a modification prevention device, and the vehicle controller includes: a printed circuit board; a security module frame seated on the printed circuit board and having multiple coupling holes; and security modules inserted into the coupling holes and configured to electrically communicate with a circuit of the printed circuit board. In particular, the security modules include non-conductive insertion pins and conductive insertion pins inserted into the coupling holes, and the non-conductive insertion pins and the conductive insertion pins are scattered while being separated from the coupling holes of the security module when the vehicle controller is disassembled.