Non-volatile Electrophoretic Display for Storage Enclosure Fault Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale data storage systems, diagnosing and repairing faults is challenging due to the complexity of components and the lack of persistent fault indicators, which cease to function when power is removed, requiring separate testing of components to identify the faulty unit.

Innovation Solution

A storage enclosure with non-volatile electrophoretic display elements mounted on carriers that persistently display fault information, allowing for easy identification of faulty components even after power removal, using electrophoretic displays that retain images without power and can be easily read by users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional volatile display elements are used to indicate faults, then the display can be updated in real-time during operation, but the fault indication is lost when power is removed, requiring separate testing to identify faulty components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault indication persistenceVSAvoidfault information loss after power removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces volatile electronic display elements with non-volatile electrophoretic display elements. These electrophoretic displays use microencapsulated liquid crystals or electrophoretic particles that maintain their visual state without power, substituting the volatile electronic system with a non-volatile physical display mechanism that retains fault information indefinitely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of the display element from volatile to non-volatile by using electrophoretic technology. The display medium transitions from requiring continuous power to maintaining its state without power, fundamentally changing the power dependency parameter while preserving the fault indication function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If storage devices are removed from the enclosure for testing, then the faulty component can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and requires separate testing procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault identification easeVSAvoidtime for fault diagnosis

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary fault indication by displaying fault information on the carrier itself before removal. The electrophoretic display on the carrier shows fault status while still in the enclosure, allowing operators to identify faulty carriers without removing them for testing, thus performing the diagnostic action in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier performs self-diagnosis and self-indication of fault status through the integrated electrophoretic display. Each carrier independently displays its own fault information, eliminating the need for external testing equipment or procedures to identify faulty components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If multiple storage devices are housed in a single enclosure, then storage density is improved, but diagnosing faults becomes more complex due to the number of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage device densityVSAvoidfault diagnosis complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fault indication function by providing individual electrophoretic displays on each carrier within the enclosure. Each carrier independently displays its own fault status, dividing the complex system into manageable segments where each unit provides its own diagnostic information, simplifying the overall diagnosis process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local fault indication quality by placing displays directly on each carrier rather than using a centralized indication system. Each carrier has its own localized display that provides specific fault information for that carrier, making diagnosis straightforward without requiring operators to navigate complex system-wide indicators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient and persistent fault indication, allowing for easier diagnosis and repair of storage system components by providing a human-readable display of fault information that remains visible after power disconnection, facilitating timely and accurate identification of faulty components.

Implementation Method 1

non-volatile electrophoretic display elements mounted on carriers that persistently display fault information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS9779006B2Non-volatile fault indication in a storage enclosure

Publication Date: 2017.10.03 SEAGATE SYST UK LTD

AI summary

Apparatus and method for providing a non-volatile fault indication in a multi-device storage enclosure. In some embodiments, a storage enclosure includes a plurality of storage devices housed within a storage enclosure housing. A non-volatile display element is arranged to provide a persistent display of fault information relating to a component of the storage enclosure after power is removed from the display element.