Self-Destructing LUN Storage Controller Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional storage management systems require manual deletion of logical unit numbers (LUNs) without parameters for determining a lifetime or expiration date, leading to inefficient storage space management and increased overhead in data archiving and retrieval.

Innovation Solution

A data handling system with a storage controller that provisions, manages, and automatically deletes LUNs by associating self-destruction properties, such as a destruction date, allowing for time-based directives and user override, independent of file format or content, and enabling intelligent data allocation based on expiration dates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual deletion of LUNs is implemented, then storage space management is performed, but storage overhead increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage management efficiencyVSAvoidtime for manual deletion operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing self-destruction parameters and expiration dates for LUNs during the provisioning phase. The storage controller automatically monitors these parameters and executes deletion when expiration dates are reached, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving storage management efficiency while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If LUNs are manually managed, then storage allocation is controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage management complexityVSAvoidease of LUN deletion

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling LUNs to automatically manage their own lifecycle through self-destruction parameters. The storage controller monitors expiration dates and autonomously performs deletion operations, reducing device complexity by eliminating manual management processes while significantly improving ease of operation for storage allocation and deletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Quantity of substance

If indefinite data retention is implemented, then data availability is maintained, but storage space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoiddata retention period

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static indefinite data retention to dynamic time-based retention. Self-destruction parameters and expiration dates enable the storage system to automatically adjust data retention periods, deleting LUNs when their designated lifespan expires. This optimizes storage space utilization while maintaining data availability during its required lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9952809B2Self destroying LUN

Publication Date: 2018.04.24 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

A data handling system having a physical storage device and a storage controller responsible for provisioning, managing, and servicing logical unit numbers (LUNs) with self-destruction properties on the physical storage device is disclosed. For a given LUN, the storage controller creates a profile including self-destruction properties, such as a LUN destruction date, and associates the profile with the LUN. The profiles may be independent of file format and content of any associated data and the LUN destruction date may be a function of the last access date of the associated data. The storage controller monitors the LUN destruction date associated with each LUN and determines the last access date of any associated data. The storage controller marks a LUN having a past-due LUN destruction date, notifies a user of an approaching LUN destruction date, and destroys any past-due LUNs.