Self-Destructing Data Storage Device with Triggered High Voltage Flash Memory Erasure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage devices, such as SSDs and flash drives, lack a mechanism to prevent unauthorized access and theft of confidential data, as they can be easily removed from one host and accessed on another without self-destruction.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device with a self-destruction feature that activates when removed from a host, utilizing a trigger and backup power module to output a high voltage to flash memories, ensuring data integrity by destroying the storage elements if an unauthorized removal occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a data storage device is designed to be easily removable and accessible from different hosts, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized data access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a self-destruction mechanism that activates when the storage device is removed from its authorized host. The trigger circuit detects the removal event and automatically activates a high-voltage generation circuit that destroys the flash memory cells, preventing any subsequent unauthorized access to the stored data. This preemptive measure ensures data security by making the data irrecoverable before theft can occur.
2Reliability
If a self-destruction mechanism is implemented to prevent data theft, then data security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the self-destruction functionality with the existing host interface circuitry. The trigger circuit utilizes the same connection pins that are already present for normal data communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware components. The high-voltage generation is integrated into the existing power management structure, and the control logic is implemented within the existing microcontroller, thereby achieving enhanced security without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-destruction mechanism operates autonomously without requiring external intervention. Once the trigger circuit detects that the storage device has been removed from the host (through detection of open-circuit conditions on the interface pins), it automatically activates the high-voltage generation circuit to destroy the flash memory. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional control circuits or user authentication mechanisms, keeping the system relatively simple while ensuring security.
3Reliability
If the flash memories are destroyed to prevent data leakage, then data security is improved, but the loss of information occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the security-critical function from the general data storage function. The self-destruction mechanism is specifically designed to activate only under unauthorized removal conditions, while normal data access and storage operations continue unaffected when the device is properly connected to the authorized host. This separation ensures that data is only lost when security is compromised, not during legitimate use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage level) of the flash memory cells from their normal operating state to a destructive state. By applying a high voltage pulse through the trigger circuit, the memory cells transition from a functional state where data can be read and written to a destroyed state where the physical structure of the memory cells is damaged, ensuring complete data loss and preventing any recovery attempts.
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
Prevents data leakage by automatically destroying the flash memories when the device is pulled out of its host, thereby safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
the backup power module outputs a high voltage to the flash memories according to the physical-destruction activating signal to destroy the flash memories
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device having self-destruction function is disclosed. The data storage device is inserted into a host and includes a controller, a plurality of flash memories, a trigger, and a backup power module. When the data storage device is pulled out of the host, the trigger is triggered and transmits a physical-destruction activating signal to the backup power module, and the backup power module outputs a high voltage to the flash memories according to the physical-destruction activating signal so that the flash memories can be destroyed by the high voltage.