Concatenated RAID 5 and RAID 1 Disk Array Configuration

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RAID systems cannot fully utilize the capacity of disks of different sizes, as they can only apply a single RAID level, leading to underutilization of remnant disk capacity in mixed-size disk arrays.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves creating a RAID system where a group of disks is selected to form a RAID 5 architecture, and an additional group is used to create a RAID 1 architecture, with the RAID 5 and RAID 1 architectures being concatenated using the JBOD technique, allowing for the utilization of disks with varying capacities by configuring strip sizes and parity information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single RAID level is applied to disks of different sizes, then the system maintains simplicity in configuration, but the remnant disk capacity cannot be fully utilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk capacity utilizationVSAvoidRAID architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the disk array into multiple RAID levels (RAID 5 and RAID 1) to handle disks of different sizes. Specifically, it divides disks into a first group for RAID 5 architecture and a second group for RAID 1 architecture, allowing each segment to optimize its capacity utilization according to its size characteristics while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional RAID system that can simultaneously support multiple RAID levels (RAID 5 and RAID 1) within a single storage system. This universal architecture allows the system to adapt to different disk sizes and capacity requirements, making the storage system versatile in handling heterogeneous disk configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If RAID 5 architecture is used with disks of different sizes, then fault tolerance is provided, but the remnant capacity in larger disks remains underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata recovery capabilityVSAvoidusable disk capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the disk array into multiple RAID levels (RAID 5 and RAID 1) to handle disks of different sizes. Specifically, it divides disks into a first group for RAID 5 architecture and a second group for RAID 1 architecture, allowing each segment to optimize its capacity utilization according to its size characteristics while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the RAID level parameter assigned to different disk groups based on their capacity characteristics. Larger disks are assigned to RAID 5 for fault tolerance, while smaller disks with remnant capacity are assigned to RAID 1, optimizing both reliability and capacity utilization by adapting the RAID level parameter to each disk group's characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the smallest disk capacity determines the RAID 5 configuration, then all disks can participate in the array, but larger disks lose potential storage space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk array configurationVSAvoidtotal storage capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the disk array into multiple RAID levels (RAID 5 and RAID 1) to handle disks of different sizes. Specifically, it divides disks into a first group for RAID 5 architecture and a second group for RAID 1 architecture, allowing each segment to optimize its capacity utilization according to its size characteristics while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different RAID level qualities to different parts of the disk array based on local disk capacity characteristics. Each disk group receives a customized RAID level configuration (RAID 5 or RAID 1) suited to its specific capacity, rather than applying a uniform RAID level across all disks, thereby optimizing local capacity utilization while maintaining ease of overall system operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS7487294B2RAID systems and setup methods thereof

Publication Date: 2009.02.03 VIA TECH INC

AI summary

A RAID (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks) system is provided. At least a first group of disks is selected to create a RAID 5 architecture. A second group of disks within the first group is selected to create a RAID 1 architecture. The RAID 5 and RAID 1 architectures are concatenated. The number of disks in the first group is greater than 2, and that in the second group equals 2.