Removable SSD Cassette with TPM for Secure Data Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in deploying solid-state technology ubiquitously across enterprises for all applications is the high cost of robust, reliable, and cost-efficient enterprise-grade solutions, which is essential for next-generation data centers to meet performance, speed, capacity, and agility requirements in cloud computing and Big Data environments.
Innovation Solution
A high-density solid-state storage unit comprising a base section and a cassette section with removable flash cards, where the cassette section provides physical and data security through packaging and a trusted platform module (TPM) connected via USB, ensuring secure access and energy transfer, and includes features like tapered guides for easy insertion and gap filling materials for vibration reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If enterprise-grade solid-state technology is deployed to meet performance and reliability requirements, then data protection and performance are improved, but deployment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into modular components: a base unit and removable cassette sections. Each cassette contains multiple flash cards organized in banks, allowing the system to be configured in different densities (e.g., 4, 8, or 16 cards per cassette). This segmentation enables organizations to deploy only the capacity and performance level they need, rather than requiring full enterprise-grade solid-state arrays, thereby reducing deployment costs while maintaining reliability through modular redundancy and security features.
Solution Approach 2:
A trusted platform module (TPM) serves as an intermediary security component that mediates access to data on the flash cards. The TPM chip is embedded in the cassette and provides hardware-based encryption and secure key management. This intermediary security layer protects data without requiring expensive enterprise-grade authentication systems, enabling cost-effective deployment while maintaining strong data protection through standardized security protocols.
2Quantity of substance
If high-density flash card configuration is used to maximize storage capacity, then storage density is improved, but physical security and vulnerability to damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flash cards are nested within a single protective cassette housing. The cassette acts as a container that protects the individual flash cards from physical damage, environmental factors, and unauthorized access. This nesting approach allows high storage density (multiple cards in one unit) while the outer cassette provides a unified security boundary and physical protection, reducing vulnerability compared to exposing individual cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The cassette housing includes shock-absorbing materials and protective structures designed to cushion the flash cards against physical impacts during handling, transport, and installation. This beforehand cushioning protects the vulnerable electronic components from damage before any harmful event occurs, ensuring the integrity of the high-density storage configuration.
3Ease of operation
If removable cassette design is used to enhance security and flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but connection stability and energy transfer efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The interface between the cassette and base unit employs asymmetric mechanical features including tapered guides and wedge-shaped alignment structures. These asymmetric elements ensure that the cassette can only be inserted in the correct orientation and automatically align with the connection points. This asymmetric design provides easy insertion and removal (improving ease of operation) while ensuring precise alignment and stable electrical connections (maintaining reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered guides and alignment features perform preliminary positioning of the cassette relative to the base unit before final connection is made. This preliminary action ensures that connectors are properly aligned and engaged before full insertion occurs, preventing connection errors and ensuring stable electrical and energy transfer pathways are established from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, a high-density solid-state storage unit includes a base section and a cassette section having plurality of flash cards. The cassette section can be removably attached to the base section to provide security of data stored on the plurality of flash cards. The cassette section provides for physical security of the flash cards in part through packaging of the enclosure and energy transfer to the base station. The cassette section further provides for security of the data stored on the flash cards in part through a trusted platform module (TPM) embodied as a removable module connected to a universal serial bus (USB) style connector.