Data Control Device Dynamic Switching for Storage Hierarchy Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data control devices lack flexibility in connecting configurations between storage and control portions, limiting their ability to adapt to various hierarchical structures and fault tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A data control device with a crossbar switch portion that has multiple terminals on both upstream and downstream sides, allowing optional switching based on external signals, and control portions with input/output ports connected to the switch, enabling various connecting configurations and fault management through algorithms like bubble sort and Odd-Even Merge Sort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed connecting configuration is used between storage and control portions, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to various hierarchical structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a switch portion that can dynamically change its connecting configuration between storage and control portions based on external switching signals. The switch portion includes multiple first terminals connected to storage portions and multiple second terminals connected to control portions, with circuit portions that can optionally switch connections between these terminals. This allows the device to adapt to various hierarchical structures (such as different RAID levels and storage configurations) while maintaining a unified device architecture, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dedicated control portions are used for different storage configurations, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single control portion that can perform multiple functions through dynamic connection switching. The control portion includes a first input/output portion connected to second terminals of the switch and a second input/output portion connected to first terminals, allowing it to interface with different storage configurations (such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, etc.) by changing the switch configuration. This eliminates the need for multiple dedicated control portions for different storage types, thereby achieving functional versatility while reducing device complexity.
3Reliability
If a static connection structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but fault tolerance and redundancy capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle to enhance fault tolerance by enabling dynamic reconfiguration of connections between storage and control portions. When a fault occurs in a storage portion or control portion, the switch portion can be controlled to change its connecting configuration, allowing the system to bypass failed components and maintain operation. This dynamic switching capability provides redundancy and fault tolerance without requiring a complex static redundant architecture, thus improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data control device includes: a switch portion that has a plurality of first terminals on an upstream side, a plurality of second terminals on a downstream side, and a circuit portion that optionally switches a connection between the first terminals and the second terminals based on an external switching signal; and at least one control portion that has a first input/output portion on the upstream side and a second input/output portion on the downstream side, wherein the second input/output portion is connected to the first terminal of the switch portion and the first input/output portion is connected to the second terminal of the switch portion, and wherein the at least one control portion controls an input/output of data between the first input/output portion and the second input/output portion.