Storage Device Data Backup Controller for Safe Host Disconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The disconnection of storage devices from servers can result in data loss due to improper disconnection under certain conditions, particularly during maintenance, as existing technologies lack effective mechanisms to ensure data safety during this process.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with an input unit for user input, an output unit for state indication, a main memory for temporary data storage, and a controller for executing backup operations, ensuring data transfer from volatile to non-volatile memory while providing operational state indications to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage device is disconnected from a server during normal operation, then maintenance can be performed, but data loss occurs because data in main memory is not transferred to non-volatile storage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting disconnection intent through the input unit and automatically executing data transfer from main memory to non-volatile storage before the disconnection occurs. This preliminary data safeguarding ensures that when the storage device is disconnected for maintenance, no data is lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by providing real-time operational state indications through the output unit. The controller monitors the data transfer process and communicates the current state (transferring, completed, or aborted) to the user, enabling informed decisions about whether to proceed with disconnection based on data safety status.
2Reliability
If power loss protection circuits are added to prevent data loss during disconnection, then data safety is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device provides self-service by automatically detecting when disconnection is intended and autonomously executing the data transfer process without requiring external power loss protection circuits. The controller monitors operational states and triggers the backup operation independently, eliminating the need for complex protective hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the data protection function from traditional power loss protection circuits and implements it through software-controlled operations. Instead of using dedicated hardware circuits to protect against power loss, the system uses the existing input and output units combined with controller logic to achieve the same protective effect through automated data transfer.
3Reliability
If data transfer operations are performed before disconnection, then data loss is prevented, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data transfer actions only when disconnection is detected or intended, rather than continuously. By monitoring operational states and triggering the transfer operation at the appropriate moment before disconnection, the system prepares for data safety without unnecessarily extending operation time during normal connected states.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device configured for connection with a host includes; an output unit configured to provide at least one storage device operating state indication to a user, an input unit configured to accept at least one user input, a main memory configured to temporarily store data received from the host, a storage configured to store the data in non-volatile memory space, and a controller configured to execute a backup operation in response to a user input accepted by the input unit, transfer data from the main memory to the storage during the backup operation, and provide a storage device operating state indication through the output unit during execution of the backup operation.