RAID Storage Device Using XOR Parity for Fault Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and computational intensity of Reed-Solomon codes in RAID 6 systems lead to increased costs and processing time, making them impractical for software implementation and requiring expensive hardware, which hinders the use of RAID 6 for achieving high fault-tolerance with efficient data recovery from two-disk failures.

Innovation Solution

A storage device with a compact design accommodating multiple 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, featuring an internal support system for secure drive placement and an electronic interface enabling operations across RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and non-RAID configurations, along with a rackmount server system for flexible data management and backup capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Reed-Solomon codes are implemented for RAID 6 to achieve fault-tolerance against two-disk failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault-toleranceVSAvoidcomplexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex Reed-Solomon code implementation with simpler, more affordable XOR-based parity calculations. This allows RAID 6 functionality to be achieved using standard, inexpensive hardware without requiring specialized processors or complex algorithms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fault-tolerance capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mathematical approach from Reed-Solomon codes to XOR operations for parity calculation. This parameter change in the algorithmic approach dramatically reduces computational complexity and processing time while still achieving the desired fault-tolerance against two-disk failures through distributed parity blocks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If Reed-Solomon codes are used for RAID 6 implementation, then fault-tolerance is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault-toleranceVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes computationally intensive Reed-Solomon codes with faster, simpler XOR operations. This replacement dramatically reduces processing time for parity calculation and data recovery operations while maintaining the ability to tolerate two-disk failures, making RAID 6 practical for software implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mathematical mechanism of Reed-Solomon codes with a simpler bitwise XOR operation mechanism. This substitution reduces computational overhead and processing time significantly, enabling faster data recovery and parity calculation without sacrificing fault-tolerance reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If Reed-Solomon codes are implemented to achieve RAID 6, then fault-tolerance is improved, but cost increases due to expensive hardware requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault-toleranceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables RAID 6 implementation using inexpensive, off-the-shelf hardware components instead of requiring expensive, specialized hardware. By using simple XOR-based parity calculations, standard processors can handle the computations without needing costly dedicated hardware, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining fault-tolerance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes RAID 6 accessible through software implementation on commodity hardware by replacing expensive Reed-Solomon code requirements with affordable XOR operations. This dramatically reduces the cost barrier for implementing fault-tolerant storage systems while maintaining the ability to recover from two-disk failures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9134771B2Raid devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 DHK STORAGE LLC

AI summary

The invention is directed to a storage device utilizing laptop storage drives and rackmount server adapted to use the same. The storage device includes a body and drive software. The drive and internal portions of the body are adapted to form contact fits. The software of the storage device provides an electronic interface that permits operations of advantageous RAID configurations.