Performance-Based Hard Disk Selection for Data Placement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage systems fail to effectively distinguish performance differences among hard disks, leading to reduced utilization efficiency and overall performance due to unified management and simple type classification.

Innovation Solution

A data storage method that involves obtaining running parameters of hard disks to measure individual performance differences, selecting target hard disks based on these parameters, and writing data into the most suitable disks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If unified management and simple type classification of hard disks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but hard disk utilization efficiency and storage system performance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehard disk management complexityVSAvoidhard disk utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by transitioning from uniform hard disk classification to individualized performance-based classification. Each hard disk is assigned a performance level (first, second, or third level) based on its specific running parameters, enabling differentiated data storage strategies for different disks. This allows the system to recognize and exploit local performance variations while maintaining manageable complexity through automated performance measurement and classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If unified management and simple type classification of hard disks is used, then device complexity is reduced, but overall storage system performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehard disk management complexityVSAvoidstorage system performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements local quality by evaluating each hard disk's individual performance characteristics through running parameters and classifying them into different performance levels. This enables the storage system to make informed decisions about data placement, ensuring that data is stored on hard disks matched to its requirements, thereby improving overall system reliability and performance while managing complexity through systematic performance measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring hard disk running parameters and using this information to adjust data storage decisions. The system measures actual hard disk performance, compares it against thresholds, and modifies data placement strategies accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to changing hard disk performance conditions, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If individual performance measurement and selection of hard disks is implemented, then hard disk utilization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehard disk utilization efficiencyVSAvoidhard disk management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific performance thresholds and levels (first, second, third levels) based on hard disk running parameters. This transforms complex individual performance measurement into a standardized classification system. By defining clear parameter ranges for each performance level, the system achieves improved hard disk utilization efficiency while controlling complexity through systematic parameter-based decision making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4231131B1Data storage method and device
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4231131B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4231131B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A data storage method and apparatus are provided. The method includes: obtaining running parameters of a plurality of hard disks, where the running parameters of the plurality of hard disks are used for measuring individual differences of the plurality of hard disks in performance (210); selecting at least one target hard disk based on the running parameters of the plurality of hard disks (220); and writing data into the target hard disk (230). According to the method, the individual differences between the hard disks can be effectively distinguished, utilization efficiency of the hard disks is improved, and therefore overall performance of a storage system can be improved.