Ruggedized Data Vault With Sealing Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for storing and accessing machine or apparatus-related data are often inefficient, leading to data loss and increased time and costs due to the difficulty in locating and retrieving blueprints and data provided in paper or CD-ROM form.
Innovation Solution
A data vault system with a ruggedized casing and electronic module equipped with onboard memory and a processor, featuring a sealing arrangement and unique identifiers for secure and convenient data storage and accessibility, allowing data to be backed up to a remote storage device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data is provided in paper form or on CD-ROM, then data can be stored and transported, but data is difficult to locate and retrieve, resulting in lost time and increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical search methods (physically locating paper or CD-ROM) with an electronic system that uses a processor to automatically search for and retrieve data using unique identifiers. The data holder includes an electronic module with memory and processor that can electronically locate and transmit data, eliminating the need for manual searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates electronic copies of data stored in the data holder's memory, which can be quickly accessed and transmitted. The system can copy data from the electronic module to external devices or remote storage, enabling rapid data retrieval without physically searching for original documents or media.
2Reliability
If data is stored in a secured manner with sealing arrangements, then data protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastomeric sealing plate with a sealing bead that flexes to create a tight seal between the cover and base. This flexible sealing mechanism provides effective protection against contaminants while maintaining a relatively simple structural design, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer sealing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the elastomeric sealing plate with the rigid housing structure to create a composite sealing system. The elastomeric material provides flexibility and sealing capability, while the rigid housing provides structural support, achieving effective protection with a relatively simple integrated design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a ruggedized casing with sealing arrangement is used, then protection from environmental factors is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into separate base and cover sections that can be manufactured independently and then assembled with a sealing plate. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using standard processes, and the sealing arrangement is integrated as a separate element that simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a fully sealed monolithic structure.
4Loss of information
If unique identifier is provided on the vault, then data association with machine is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the unique identifier with the housing structure itself, either by incorporating it into the molding process or by integrating the identifier application with the assembly process. This merging of the identifier with the manufacturing or assembly process reduces the need for separate, complex identifier application steps.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures data remains associated with the machine or apparatus, is easily accessible, and securely protected from environmental factors, reducing data loss and retrieval time while enabling efficient data synchronization and backup.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric sealing plate with an outwardly extending sealing bead attached by a mount that can be a plate to the cover and which seats in the receptacle
Implementation Method 2
Both the cover and the casing are made of a durable, tough and resilient material, such as aluminum, capable of providing radio frequency interference suppression and/or electromagnetic suppression
Data Source
AI summary
A protective data holding vault that includes a module with onboard memory that can be configured as a drive, e.g. flash drive, attached to a machine or apparatus and which securely and protectively holds data associated with the machine or apparatus and a unique identifier thereof. The vault includes a casing with a receptacle in which the module is received and a cover that is sealingly attachable to the casing to cover the receptacle and protect the module in the receptacle. The vault is mounted in a pocket on the machine or apparatus, or a component therefor or thereof, and is linkable to a processor equipped device, such as via a USB link, enabling data stored on the vault to be retrieved and stored offboard providing secure data backup. In one system implementation, data synchronization can be performed to a remotely located storage device with bidirectional data transfer contemplated.