SSD Data Destruction via Thermal Heating Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for data destruction in solid-state drives, such as physical destruction, may result in incomplete data destruction, necessitating an improvement in the reliability of data destruction techniques.

Innovation Solution

A solid-state drive (SSD) is equipped with a mechanism that includes a main control device for detecting a predetermined event and a destruction control device that activates a heating device to heat storage particles until the data can no longer be read, ensuring complete data destruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical destruction method is used to damage storage medium, then data destruction is achieved, but the reliability of data destruction is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of data destructionVSAvoidsimplicity of destruction method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical physical destruction methods with a thermal field-based destruction method. A heating device is introduced to generate high temperature that destroys storage particles, substituting the mechanical damage approach with thermal energy application to achieve more reliable data destruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the destruction parameter from mechanical force to temperature. By controlling the temperature parameter through the heating device, the storage particles are destroyed at high temperature, which provides more reliable data destruction compared to mechanical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heating device is introduced to heat storage particles, then data destruction reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of data destructionVSAvoidcomplexity of SSD structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device is designed to serve multiple functions: it can heat storage particles for data destruction, and potentially serve other thermal management functions during normal operation. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing valuable capabilities beyond just destruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The destruction control device automatically activates the heating device when destruction is needed, and the heating device self-regulates the heating process. This automated self-service approach reduces the need for external complex control systems and manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If high voltage is applied to storage particles to cause breakdown, then data destruction is achieved, but the control precision requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of data destructionVSAvoidprecision of voltage control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes voltage-based destruction with temperature-based destruction. Instead of applying high voltage to cause breakdown, the heating device raises the temperature of storage particles to a point where data can no longer be read, eliminating the need for precise voltage control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from voltage to temperature. By using temperature as the destruction parameter, the system achieves reliable data destruction without requiring the precise voltage control that would be necessary for high-voltage breakdown methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The proposed method provides a reliable mechanism for complete data destruction in SSDs, ensuring that data cannot be recovered even after the destruction process, thereby enhancing data security in high-confidentiality applications.

Implementation Method 1

a heating device provided to heat the storage particles until the data stored in the storage particles can no longer be read

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the destruction control device causes a high-voltage applied to the storage particles, causing the particles to break down

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical breakdown: Avalanche Breakdown

Implementation Method 3

electric heating wires (e.g., thermocouple wires) covering the surface of the storage particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250190589A1Mechanisms for destroying storage devices

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 SAGE MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

Techniques to provide a storage device such as solid-state drive (SSD) with mechanisms for destroying the stored data therein. To achieve such data destruction, this application provides a destruction mechanism that generates heat high enough to break down some or all of the storing media in the device until the data stored in the device can no longer be usable.