Modular Storage Bricks with Self-Describing EEPROM for Auto-Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disk drive enclosures are expensive, bulky, and complex, failing to provide simple, inexpensive, and efficient management, acquisition, analysis, and archiving of data in RAID systems, particularly in applications like computer forensics where high sequential data throughput, transactional performance, and long-term stability are required.
Innovation Solution
A modular storage system comprising 'bricks' with self-describing attributes and a non-volatile memory device for auto-configuration, which can be attached to base stations for various functionalities, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining reliable data structures and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional disk drive enclosures are used, then data storage and management functionality is provided, but the system becomes expensive, bulky, and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage enclosure into modular bricks, each containing disk drives and a backplane with self-describing attributes. These bricks can be independently attached to base stations, separating storage functionality from control and power supply systems. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable data management through standardized interfaces and automatic configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts control logic and power supply functions from the storage enclosure itself and places them in separate base stations. The bricks only contain essential storage components (disk drives and backplane), eliminating unnecessary complexity while base stations provide centralized control and power management, ensuring reliable operation.
2Device complexity
If traditional disk drive enclosures are used, then data storage functionality is provided, but the system becomes expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into simple, standardized bricks and separate base stations, manufacturing costs are reduced. Bricks can be produced as inexpensive modular units with standardized interfaces, while base stations handle the more complex control and power supply functions. This allows for easier manufacturing and potential economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions including power supply, control logic, and interface management for multiple bricks. This universal design eliminates the need for each brick to contain redundant control and power components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional disk drive enclosures are used, then data storage is provided, but the system lacks flexibility and adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic configuration where bricks can be attached to or removed from base stations as needed. The self-describing attributes enable automatic detection and configuration of bricks, allowing the system to adapt to changing storage needs without manual reconfiguration. This dynamic flexibility is achieved through standardized interfaces and automated brick-base station communication.
Solution Approach 2:
Base stations can support multiple types of bricks with different storage capacities and configurations, providing versatility. The universal base station design can accommodate various brick types through standardized interfaces, allowing a single base station to serve multiple storage needs without requiring complex custom enclosures for each configuration.
4Weight of moving object
If traditional disk drive enclosures are used, then data management is provided, but the system is bulky and lacks portability
Solution Approach 1:
By separating storage bricks from control and power functions, the system reduces the weight and bulk of individual storage units. Bricks contain only essential components for data storage, making them lightweight and portable, while base stations handle the heavier control and power supply functions. This segmentation enables portable storage solutions without compromising data integrity through simplified, focused brick design.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular storage system includes a modular storage system module, or “brick,” housing a disk drive array containing computer data. Each brick includes a backplane, fan(s) and a skin and has self-describing attributes that allow external control logic to auto-configure for each brick. The brick backplane includes a non-volatile memory device, such as a serial EEPROM, that can maintain and provide static and dynamic information regarding the brick and any disk drives in the disk drive array housed in the brick. The bricks can be attached to one or more base stations implementing and/or incorporating application-specific features and/or functions. Each base station also includes means for supplying power to the bricks and the disk drives contained in the bricks, RAID or other disk drive array control logic. Mounting apparatus ensures that a brick mounted to a base station, is immobilized, thus protecting the brick and electrical connection between the brick and the base station.