Removable SSD in Portable USB Storage for Capacity and Size Trade-offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current portable computing devices like smartphones and tablets lack sufficient local mass storage, relying heavily on cloud connectivity which may not be always available or secure, and existing external storage solutions are either too bulky or lack features like upgradability and wireless access.
Innovation Solution
A portable USB device with a removable Solid State Drive (SSD) using standard embedded memory cards, providing high-speed and high-capacity storage, easily scalable and sharable, with a compact design and interchangeable USB connectors, and optional hardware encryption and wireless access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If 2.5 inch hard drives are used for portable storage, then storage capacity is sufficient, but device size becomes too large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from traditional bulky hard drives and relocates it to compact Solid State Drive modules with standardized interfaces. The SSD is removed from the traditional 2.5 inch form factor and integrated into a portable USB device, achieving high capacity storage in a much smaller footprint suitable for mobile devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of storage devices by transitioning from magnetic hard drives to Solid State Drives, and from traditional external enclosures to compact USB form factors. This parameter change enables high capacity storage (TB range) while dramatically reducing device volume and weight for portable applications.
2Volume of moving object
If USB sticks with small form factor are used, then device portability is improved, but storage capacity and upgradability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage system into a modular architecture where the USB interface and control circuitry are separated from the storage medium itself. The SSD module can be independently replaced and upgraded without affecting the USB interface, allowing users to maintain small form factor while increasing storage capacity by simply swapping the SSD module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic upgradability to USB sticks by enabling user-replaceable SSD modules. The storage capacity can be dynamically increased by replacing the SSD with a larger module, while the device maintains its compact USB form factor. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical device to serve different storage needs over time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud internet service is used for mass storage, then accessibility is provided, but connection reliability and security are compromised when wireless connection is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local Solid State Drive as an intermediary storage solution between the portable device and the cloud. The SSD acts as a mediator that provides reliable local storage access without requiring continuous wireless connectivity, while still enabling cloud synchronization when connectivity is available. This intermediary layer ensures operational reliability independent of network conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A new type of portable USB mass storage gadget is disclosed which provides the user with upgradeable high speed mass storage and processing for use with portable computer appliances such as smart phones and tablets as well as standard desk top computers and laptops. Various modifications to the embodiment referred to as a UDRIVE are disclosed including a battery option, wireless connectivity, security, and additional internal electronics and external interfaces that allow processing of the data stored or sent to the portable gadget.