New Generation Tamper Resistant Key Switch
(2025) MMKM10 20251Innovation
- Abstract
- This master's thesis presents the development of a new generation mechanical key switch (KS) used for key-impulse activation in access systems. The project's focus has been to enhance tamper resistance in hardware exposed to demanding environments, such as outdoor installations, while introducing support for multiple common lock cylinder formats, including Euro DIN, Kaba, and ASSA cylinders.
Improving the security of small peripheral devices is increasingly important as vulnerabilities in such components can compromise entire access control systems. Furthermore, enabling multi-cylinder compatibility reduces material waste, simplifies logistics, and lowers production and environmental costs.
To achieve this, a user-centered design... (More) - This master's thesis presents the development of a new generation mechanical key switch (KS) used for key-impulse activation in access systems. The project's focus has been to enhance tamper resistance in hardware exposed to demanding environments, such as outdoor installations, while introducing support for multiple common lock cylinder formats, including Euro DIN, Kaba, and ASSA cylinders.
Improving the security of small peripheral devices is increasingly important as vulnerabilities in such components can compromise entire access control systems. Furthermore, enabling multi-cylinder compatibility reduces material waste, simplifies logistics, and lowers production and environmental costs.
To achieve this, a user-centered design approach was applied using the Double Diamond methodology. The process included extensive user studies with primary and secondary users, benchmarking existing market solutions, tampering tests based on RC classification standards, and iterative concept development supported by prototyping and validation with 3D-printed prototypes in PLA, PETG, and Aluminum.
The final concept demonstrated a significant improvement in tamper resistance, withstanding simulated forced entry for over five minutes, aligning with RC3-level resistance. The modular design and more compact packaging also indicated potential reductions in manufacturing costs and CO2 emissions per unit compared to current products in ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio.
These findings contribute to more resilient hardware solutions in security systems and emphasize the value of integrating user research with technical innovation. The developed key switch provides a more modular, secure, and sustainable alternative to current market offerings. (Less) - Abstract (Swedish)
- Detta examensarbete presenterar utvecklingen av en ny generation mekanisk nyckelbrytare (KS) för impulsgivning i passersystem. Projektets fokus låg på att förbättra manipuleringståligheten hos hårdvara som exponeras för krävande miljöer, såsom utomhusinstallationer, samtidigt som stöd för flera vanliga cylindertyper integrerades, inklusive Euro DIN, Kaba och ASSA-cylindrar.
Att stärka den fysiska säkerheten hos mindre enheter blir allt viktigare, eftersom sårbarheter i dessa komponenter kan äventyra hela passersystemet. Stöd för flera cylindrar bidrar även till minskat materialspill, förenklad logistik samt lägre produktions och miljökostnader.
För att uppnå detta tillämpades en användarcentrerad designmetodik baserad på Double... (More) - Detta examensarbete presenterar utvecklingen av en ny generation mekanisk nyckelbrytare (KS) för impulsgivning i passersystem. Projektets fokus låg på att förbättra manipuleringståligheten hos hårdvara som exponeras för krävande miljöer, såsom utomhusinstallationer, samtidigt som stöd för flera vanliga cylindertyper integrerades, inklusive Euro DIN, Kaba och ASSA-cylindrar.
Att stärka den fysiska säkerheten hos mindre enheter blir allt viktigare, eftersom sårbarheter i dessa komponenter kan äventyra hela passersystemet. Stöd för flera cylindrar bidrar även till minskat materialspill, förenklad logistik samt lägre produktions och miljökostnader.
För att uppnå detta tillämpades en användarcentrerad designmetodik baserad på Double Diamond-processen. Arbetet omfattade användarstudier med primära och sekundära användare, prestandamätning av befintliga marknadslösningar, inbrottsförsök baserat på RC-klassificeringen samt iterativ konceptutveckling med prototypframtagning genom additiv tillverkning i PLA, PETG och aluminium.
Dessa prototyper validerades därefter mot etablerade krav och klassificeringar. Det slutgiltiga konceptet visade en avsevärd förbättring i motståndskraft mot manipulering, med en simulerad inbrottstid på över fem minuter i bästa fall, vilket motsvarar skyddsnivån för RC3. Den modulära designen, tillsammans med förbättrad komponentpaketering, indikerar dessutom potentiella minskningar i tillverkningskostnader och CO2-utsläpp per enhet jämfört med nuvarande produkter i ASSA ABLOYs sortiment.
Resultaten bidrar med insikter i hur mer robusta hårdvarulösningar kan utformas inom säkerhetssystem och understryker värdet av att involvera användarundersökningar i utvecklingsprocessen. Den utvecklade nyckelbrytaren erbjuder ett mer modulärt, manipuleringståligt och hållbart alternativ till dagens lösningar. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9195106
- author
- Olsson, Martin LU
- supervisor
-
- Damien Motte LU
- organization
- course
- MMKM10 20251
- year
- 2025
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- keywords
- Key-Switch, Tamper Resistance, Secure Enclosure, Access Control, Sliding Doors
- language
- English
- id
- 9195106
- date added to LUP
- 2025-06-09 14:05:15
- date last changed
- 2025-06-09 14:05:15
@misc{9195106,
abstract = {{This master's thesis presents the development of a new generation mechanical key switch (KS) used for key-impulse activation in access systems. The project's focus has been to enhance tamper resistance in hardware exposed to demanding environments, such as outdoor installations, while introducing support for multiple common lock cylinder formats, including Euro DIN, Kaba, and ASSA cylinders.
Improving the security of small peripheral devices is increasingly important as vulnerabilities in such components can compromise entire access control systems. Furthermore, enabling multi-cylinder compatibility reduces material waste, simplifies logistics, and lowers production and environmental costs.
To achieve this, a user-centered design approach was applied using the Double Diamond methodology. The process included extensive user studies with primary and secondary users, benchmarking existing market solutions, tampering tests based on RC classification standards, and iterative concept development supported by prototyping and validation with 3D-printed prototypes in PLA, PETG, and Aluminum.
The final concept demonstrated a significant improvement in tamper resistance, withstanding simulated forced entry for over five minutes, aligning with RC3-level resistance. The modular design and more compact packaging also indicated potential reductions in manufacturing costs and CO2 emissions per unit compared to current products in ASSA ABLOY’s portfolio.
These findings contribute to more resilient hardware solutions in security systems and emphasize the value of integrating user research with technical innovation. The developed key switch provides a more modular, secure, and sustainable alternative to current market offerings.}},
author = {{Olsson, Martin}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{New Generation Tamper Resistant Key Switch}},
year = {{2025}},
}