Autonomous Memory Power Hold for Timed Data Erasure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Trusted Platform Modules (TPMs) have limited storage capacity and are not tamper-proof, making them inadequate for securely storing large volumes of sensitive data.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a processor that uses a subsidiary autonomous power unit to power the memory after main power shutdown, ensuring data is stored for a defined duration and then erased, providing irreversible protection against unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If data is stored on TPM for long duration, then data availability is improved, but security protection deteriorates due to limited storage capacity and potential tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage durationVSAvoidsecurity protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary erasure of data after a predetermined time period following power shutdown. The processor automatically detects when the main power unit is shut down and initiates the erasure process after the data storage duration elapses, ensuring data is permanently deleted before potential unauthorized access becomes possible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the data from the memory after the predetermined time period. By removing the data element from the storage medium following the data storage duration, the system ensures that data is not available for unauthorized access while maintaining availability during the required storage period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If data is encrypted for protection, then security is improved, but accessibility deteriorates without proper encryption keys

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoiddata accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using encryption to protect data (which requires keys for access), the system inverts the approach by using automatic time-based erasure. Data is made accessible during the storage duration and then automatically deleted, providing protection through absence rather than through cryptographic locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Quantity of substance

If TPM storage capacity is increased, then data volume capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidTPM complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses standard memory with limited capacity that is automatically erased after the data storage duration. This approach replaces the need for large-capacity secure storage devices like TPMs with conventional memory that is periodically cleared, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining security through time-limited availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4657300A1Device and method for time programmable measurement of overhead power off system

Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SAFRAN DATA SYSTEMS GMBH

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for securely storing data in a memory (30) of a system (1) and for erasing said data, by a processor (20) after a data storage duration following the detection of a shutdown of the power supply (2) of the system.