Removable Component Binding via Unique Identifier Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in managing removable components across multiple computing devices, as existing technologies lack a standardized method to ensure that these components are only operational within their intended logical collections, leading to potential misuse or misconfiguration when moved between devices.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves binding removable components to specific computing devices through unique identifiers stored on the components, with the computing device managing power supply and activation based on these bindings to prevent unauthorized use outside their designated collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If removable components are made compatible with multiple computing devices through standard interconnection standards, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the risk of unauthorized use and misconfiguration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent compatibilityVSAvoidunauthorized use prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by binding the removable component to a specific computing device before the component is physically inserted. The binding information (device identifier and binding identifier) is stored in non-transitory memory on the component during a binding operation, so that when the component is later inserted into a computing device, the system can automatically verify the binding and determine whether to activate the component. This prevents unauthorized use while maintaining compatibility through standards-based interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If removable components can be freely moved between computing devices, then ease of operation is improved, but system integrity and manageability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent mobilityVSAvoidsystem integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by having the computing device read the binding information from the removable component upon insertion, compare it with the device's own identifier, and then automatically activate or deactivate the component based on the match result. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the component to be freely physically moved (maintaining ease of operation) while systematically controlling its operational status (maintaining system integrity) through automatic verification and activation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If binding verification is implemented for all removable components, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorized operation assuranceVSAvoidbinding management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by making the removable component carry its own binding information (device identifier and binding identifier) in non-transitory memory on the component itself. When inserted into a computing device, the component automatically provides this binding information for verification without requiring external databases or complex centralized management systems. The computing device simply reads the binding info, compares it with its own identifier, and makes the activation decision, significantly reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable authorization verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3477468B1Method and system for binding chassis and components
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 EMC IP HLDG CO LLC
  • EP3477468B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3477468B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3477468B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

A computing device includes a chassis and a processor. The processor obtains a computing device identifier from a removable component disposed in the chassis. The processor makes a determination that the removable component is bound to a second computing device based on the obtained computing device identifier. In response to the first determination, the processor disables the removable component.