Mobile Memory Chip Removal for Auditable Data Erasure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing customer personal information from mobile devices are inefficient, particularly when devices are non-functional, as they require a working device for software erasure and result in wasteful mechanical destruction during high-volume operations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a CNC machine controlled by a computer to physically remove memory chips from mobile devices, accompanied by video recording and unique identifier tracking for traceability and component reuse, ensuring complete data elimination without affecting other components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If software-based erasure is used to remove CPI from mobile devices, then data can be removed without physical destruction, but a working mobile device is required which limits applicability to non-functional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based erasure with a physical removal method using a CNC machine to extract memory chips. This mechanical substitution allows the system to process both functional and non-functional devices, as it does not rely on the device being operational. The CNC machine physically removes or destroys memory chips containing CPI, providing a universal solution that works regardless of device functionality.
2Reliability
If mechanical destruction methods are used to ensure complete CPI elimination, then data security is maximized, but more components than necessary are physically rendered unusable creating excess waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by using a CNC machine to precisely remove only the memory chips containing CPI from the mobile device, rather than destroying entire devices or logic boards. This targeted extraction eliminates the need for excessive waste, as only the specific components holding sensitive data are removed or destroyed, while other functional components remain intact and can be reused or responsibly disposed of.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by treating different components of the mobile device differently - memory chips are removed or destroyed to eliminate CPI, while other components are preserved for reuse. This localized approach ensures complete data elimination from critical areas while maintaining the value of non-sensitive components, resolving the contradiction between data security and waste reduction.
3Device complexity
If conventional software erasure methods are used, then the process is simpler, but the process is time consuming and expensive in high volume operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual software-based erasure processes with an automated CNC machine system that physically removes memory chips. This mechanical automation dramatically increases productivity in high-volume operations, as the CNC machine can process multiple devices systematically without the time constraints of manual software operations. The automation maintains relative simplicity through programmed operations while achieving high throughput.
4Reliability
If memory chips are physically removed using CNC machine, then complete data elimination is achieved with component reuse maximized, but the process requires additional tracking and recording systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tracking and recording system that bridges the physical memory chip removal process with data security verification. This intermediary system captures images, records unique device identifiers, and maintains logs to verify that CPI elimination is complete. While this adds system complexity, it provides necessary verification and documentation that the physical removal process achieved its security objectives, enabling auditable compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to physically remove data including customer personal information from mobile devices includes a computer; an input device to input to the computer a unique identifier associated with a board; a computer numerical control (CNC) machine controlled by the computer and configured to physically remove a predetermined chip from the board; a camera to record the CNC machine physically removing the predetermined chip from the board; and a memory to store a first file comprising the camera's recording and to store a second file comprising a record associating the unique identifier associated with the board to the camera's recording.