Storage Apparatus Backup Path Control for Power Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage apparatuses with secondary power storage batteries face challenges in controlling backup paths based on user performance requests and battery states, leading to inefficient data backup during power outages and battery failures, where all control modules are equally backed up even when one is failed, and cache memory cannot be utilized early due to insufficient battery charge.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a determination circuit that determines backup paths between multiple backup power sources and target circuits based on configuration, state, and performance request information, using switches to control power distribution, allowing for flexible backup path management and prioritization of cache memory usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all control modules are backed up equally by secondary power storage batteries, then data protection is provided, but backup efficiency deteriorates when battery charge is insufficient or battery failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating backup priority among control modules based on their functional importance. The management circuit identifies critical control modules that require higher priority backup and allocates battery power accordingly, rather than treating all modules equally. This ensures that essential functions maintain operation during power outages even when battery charge is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the backup system to adaptively adjust power distribution in real-time based on battery state monitoring. The management circuit continuously monitors battery charge levels and dynamically reconfigures backup paths, switching between different control modules as battery charge depletes or as failures occur, optimizing backup efficiency under varying conditions.
2Reliability
If backup power is distributed to all control modules simultaneously, then comprehensive data protection is achieved, but backup time is reduced when battery charge is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively providing backup power to only the most critical control modules when battery charge is insufficient. The management circuit determines which control modules are essential for maintaining core functions and allocates limited battery power to those modules, accepting that non-critical modules may lose backup capability. This extends the operational backup time for essential functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-identifying and prioritizing critical control modules before power failure occurs. The management circuit maintains an updated map of control module dependencies and criticality levels, so that when battery charge becomes limited, the system can immediately switch to prioritizing essential modules without delay, maximizing backup time for critical functions.
3Device complexity
If fixed backup paths are used between power sources and control modules, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to battery failures and charge conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing reconfigurable backup paths through switchable connections. The management circuit controls switches that can dynamically connect or disconnect between power sources and control modules based on real-time battery status, failure detection, and charge levels. This allows the system to adapt backup paths without requiring complex manual reconfiguration or sacrificing operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary management circuit that mediates between the power source and control modules. This management circuit monitors battery conditions and intelligently controls the switching of backup paths, providing adaptability to failures and charge conditions while keeping the overall system design simple. The intermediary handles the complexity of path management, allowing straightforward connections at the module level.
4Reliability
If equal power distribution is used among all control modules, then fair data protection is provided, but performance optimization based on user requests is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating power distribution according to the specific needs and criticality of each control module. The management circuit identifies which modules have higher performance requirements or greater data protection needs and allocates battery power preferentially to those modules, rather than distributing power uniformly. This optimizes backup performance for critical functions while maintaining adequate protection for less critical modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring control module performance, data protection status, and battery charge levels, then using this information to adjust power distribution dynamically. The management circuit receives feedback from control modules about their operational status and prioritizes power allocation to modules that are most critical or experiencing higher loads, optimizing backup performance based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus includes, a determination circuit that determines a path between one of a plurality of backup power sources and one of a plurality of backup target circuits each of the plurality of backup power sources including a memory based on configuration information, state information of the storage apparatus, and setting information of performance request for the storage apparatus, a plurality of switches arranged between the plurality of backup target circuits and the plurality of backup power sources, and a control circuit that controls the switches to couple the backup target circuit to the backup power source via the path determined by the determination circuit.