Non-Volatile Storage Temperature Hibernation Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

High operating temperatures in non-volatile storage devices, such as hard disk drives, can lead to physical damage and data loss due to excessive heat generation during prolonged use, potentially causing the computer system to crash.

Innovation Solution

A computer system equipped with a temperature sensing unit and a controller that monitors the temperature of the non-volatile storage device and initiates a hibernation state when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, storing original system states in the non-volatile storage device to prevent data loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the hard disk drive operates continuously with a removable case, then data storage capacity is utilized, but the temperature of the hard disk drive increases excessively causing physical damage and data loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata safetyVSAvoidhard disk drive temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensing unit continuously monitors the hard disk drive temperature in advance, and when the temperature approaches dangerous levels, the controller proactively initiates hibernation mode before physical damage occurs. This preliminary detection and preventive action resolves the contradiction by acting before the temperature becomes critically harmful.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic temperature monitoring and uses hibernation as a periodic cooling cycle. The hard disk drive alternates between normal operation and hibernation states, allowing temperature to rise during operation and cool during hibernation, thus resolving the temperature reliability contradiction through rhythmic on-off cycling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the motor rotates rapidly to enable data storage operations, then data storage functionality is maintained, but heat generation increases causing temperature rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage operationVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The motor operates periodically rather than continuously. During hibernation periods, the motor stops rotating, eliminating heat generation from rapid rotation. During active periods, the motor rotates rapidly to perform data storage operations. This periodic operation resolves the contradiction between productivity and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The heat generated during rapid motor rotation is converted into a useful signal for control. The temperature sensing unit detects the heat as a indicator of operational state and temperature condition, which triggers the hibernation control logic. Thus, the harmful heat becomes a beneficial feedback signal for managing the contradiction between productivity and energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the computer operates continuously, then system functionality is maintained, but the temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds causing device damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation durationVSAvoidexcessive temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The computer system implements periodic hibernation cycles where operation is interrupted by temporary suspension. During active phases, the system operates normally; during hibernation phases, power is reduced and temperature decreases. This periodic interruption resolves the contradiction between extended operation duration and avoidance of excessive temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensing unit provides continuous feedback to the controller about the current temperature state. When temperature feedback exceeds the predetermined threshold, the controller automatically initiates hibernation. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by using temperature information to dynamically adjust operation duration, preventing excessive temperature while maintaining operation as long as conditions permit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively reduces the temperature of the non-volatile storage device by entering a hibernation state, protecting the device and preventing data loss by storing system states, allowing for quick recovery when conditions become safe for operation.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensing unit (11) disposed at the non-volatile storage device (10) to sense a sensed temperature of the non-volatile storage device (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermocouple

Data Source

PatentUS8138929B2Method for protecting data in non-volatile storage device and computer thereof

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 PEGATRON

AI summary

The invention discloses a method for protecting data in a non-volatile storage device and a computer thereof. The computer includes a non-volatile storage device, a temperature sensing unit, and a controller. The temperature sensing unit is disposed at the non-volatile storage device to sense a sensed temperature of the non-volatile storage device and to compare the sensed temperature with a predetermined temperature. The controller is coupled with the temperature sensing unit. When the sensed temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature, the controller makes the computer enter into a hibernation state.