Portable Storage With Wireless Power And Two-Stage Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face challenges in providing both portability and robust security, as locally installed devices lack portability and physical security, while networked devices are susceptible to network outages and attacks, and portable devices are prone to physical damage and weak security mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A portable storage device utilizing wireless power and data communications with a two-stage security protocol, allowing separate credentials for power activation and data access, and being sealed to prevent dust, debris, and moisture intrusion, ensuring robust data portability and high security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices are made portable, then data accessibility and portability are improved, but physical security and resistance to damage deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata portabilityVSAvoidphysical security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the security mechanism into two distinct stages: power activation stage and data access stage. Each stage requires separate authentication credentials, creating segmented security layers that protect the portable storage device while enabling data portability across different computing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If storage devices are locally installed, then physical security is improved, but portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical securityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the security control mechanisms from the physical device hardware and implements them through software-based authentication protocols that can operate across different computing platforms. This allows the storage device to maintain strong security while being portable, as the security logic is taken out from device-specific hardware constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage devices are networked, then data accessibility is improved, but susceptibility to network attacks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata accessibilityVSAvoidnetwork vulnerability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary authentication layer between the storage device and any accessing computing device. The two-stage security protocol acts as a mediator that verifies credentials before allowing data transfer, protecting against network-based attacks while maintaining data accessibility across multiple devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If simple security mechanisms are used in portable devices, then ease of operation is improved, but security strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidsecurity strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic security that adapts to the operational context. The system automatically transitions between power activation mode and data access mode, applying appropriate authentication requirements for each stage. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation for basic functions while enforcing strong security for data access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11836279B2Storage devices with secure power and data access

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP

AI summary

An example device includes a physical storage medium, a wireless power circuit, and a portable sealed housing containing the physical storage medium and the wireless power circuit. The physical storage medium stores a first security protocol to activate the wireless power circuit, and a second security protocol to allow data transfer between the physical storage medium and a host device.