In-Situ Storage Device Configuration for Environmental Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data storage devices are configured to meet minimum performance standards across varying operational environments, leading to sub-optimal performance in less challenging conditions, resulting in wasted potential and inefficiencies, especially in large-scale deployments like data centers.

Innovation Solution

In-situ manufacturing allows for on-location configuration of data storage devices to optimize performance and capacity by detecting and adapting to specific environmental characteristics, such as vibration, temperature, and workload, using embedded sensors and host system interfaces to customize mechanical properties and settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If storage devices are configured to meet minimum performance standards for all operational environments, then reliability is improved, but performance is worsened in less challenging environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance consistency across environmentsVSAvoidstorage device performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling storage devices to dynamically adjust their configuration parameters based on detected environmental conditions. The device transitions from a static, one-size-fits-all configuration to a dynamic state where parameters such as vibration tolerance, temperature compensation, and performance thresholds are continuously adapted to match the actual operational environment, thereby optimizing performance while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying configuration parameters of storage devices based on detected environmental characteristics. The system detects environmental parameters (vibration, temperature, etc.) and adjusts storage device parameters (performance thresholds, operational modes, capacity management) accordingly, allowing the device to operate at optimal performance levels tailored to each specific environment rather than adhering to conservative minimum standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If storage devices are configured for high-vibration environments, then reliability is improved, but performance is worsened in low-vibration environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance under vibrationVSAvoidstorage device speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the storage device to dynamically adjust its vibration tolerance and operational parameters based on detected vibration levels. In low-vibration environments, the device operates at higher speeds with relaxed vibration compensation mechanisms, while in high-vibration environments, it automatically adjusts to more conservative settings, thus optimizing speed in calm environments while maintaining reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying vibration-related configuration parameters based on environmental detection. The system adjusts parameters such as vibration threshold tolerances, operational modes, and performance thresholds according to the detected vibration environment, allowing the storage device to achieve maximum speed in low-vibration settings while maintaining adequate performance in challenging conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform configuration is used for all storage devices, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but adaptability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by equipping storage devices with environmental sensors and configuration capabilities before deployment. The devices are pre-configured with the ability to detect environmental parameters and automatically adjust their settings, combining the manufacturing efficiency of uniform production with the adaptability of customized configuration that occurs automatically upon deployment in the operational environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling storage devices to automatically detect their operational environment and self-configure optimal parameters without requiring manual intervention or custom manufacturing. The devices autonomously adjust their configuration based on detected environmental conditions, eliminating the need for expensive custom manufacturing while achieving environment-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10732869B2Customizing configuration of storage device(s) for operational environment
Publication Date: 2020.08.04 WESTERN DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US10732869B2 patent drawing
  • US10732869B2 patent drawing
  • US10732869B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure relate to execution of in-situ manufacturing for a data storage device. In-situ manufacturing is on-location configuration of a data storage device within an operational environment in which a data storage device is being deployed. In-situ manufacturing occurs at any point after a data storage device is shipped from a manufacturing plant or factory. When an operational environment of the data storage device is known, parameters of the data storage device can be configured (or re-configured) on-location within an operational environment to optimize capacity management as well as performance of the data storage device.