Mobile Device Data Erasure via Pre-Remediation Diagnostics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing customer data from mobile devices are not one-hundred percent effective, leading to a significant number of used devices being scrapped instead of being refurbished or reused due to hardware issues and physical damage, which results in increased waste and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a series of steps including checking power and charging capabilities, using software tools to erase data, disassembling and replacing components, and connecting to a known good power supply to ensure data removal from mobile devices, regardless of operating system, to overcome hardware issues and physical damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current data removal methods are used on mobile devices with hardware issues, then the process is simple, but the data removal effectiveness is low and devices cannot be resold
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing diagnostic checks and component repairs before attempting data removal. The system checks power status, charging capability, and display functionality, and replaces defective components (charging connector, display, battery) before running the data erasure tool, ensuring the device is in a functional state for successful data removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a computer system with specialized software tools that interface with the mobile device through various connection methods. The computer acts as a mediator to execute data erasure commands and monitor the process, enabling reliable data removal even from devices with hardware issues
2Loss of substance
If mobile devices are scrapped due to hardware issues preventing data removal, then data security is maintained, but electronic waste increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of mobile devices with hardware issues through component replacement (charging connector, display, battery) and charging interventions. These parameter changes restore the devices to a functional state, enabling successful data erasure and preventing them from being classified as electronic waste
3Reliability
If extensive diagnostic and repair procedures are performed, then data removal success rate increases, but time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary diagnostic actions (power check, charging check, display check) in a systematic sequence to quickly identify functional issues. By detecting problems early and applying targeted repairs (replacing only the specific defective component), the system minimizes unnecessary time expenditure while ensuring data removal success
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the system automatically monitors device status, detects issues, and executes appropriate repair actions (component replacement, charging) before data removal. This automated self-diagnosis and self-repair capability reduces manual intervention time and streamlines the overall process
Data Source
AI summary
Methods to remove data from a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a smart watch, a tablet, or the like include stepwise verification of operation of hardware components of the mobile device prior to using a software tool to erase the data from the mobile device.