Storage Device Transfer Rate Control to Reduce Heat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices face challenges in managing heat generation due to high data transfer rates, particularly in solid-state drives (SSDs), which can be exacerbated by the increasing data transfer capabilities of USB host controllers like USB 3.2 (Gen2), complicating heat radiation measures.

Innovation Solution

The storage device is configured to perform data transfer at a data transfer rate lower than the maximum capability of the USB host controller, such as USB 3.2 (Gen2), by setting the data transfer rate to a lower limit during initialization, thereby reducing heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If data transfer is performed at the maximum data transfer rate capability of the USB host controller, then data transfer speed is improved, but heat generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the data transfer rate parameter based on temperature conditions. The controller monitors temperature and switches between different data transfer rate parameters (maximum rate when cool, reduced rate when hot), thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining high speed and preventing excessive heat generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If data transfer is performed at a reduced data transfer rate to suppress heat generation, then temperature control is improved, but data transfer speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generationVSAvoiddata transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the data transfer rate adjustable and responsive to real-time temperature conditions. Rather than fixing the rate at a low value, the system dynamically transitions between high and low rates based on thermal state, thereby maintaining productivity when possible while controlling temperature when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If heat radiation measures are complicated to manage increasing data transfer capabilities, then data transfer capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidheat radiation measures

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing automatic temperature monitoring and automatic data transfer rate adjustment within the controller itself. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external heat radiation measures, as the device autonomously manages its own thermal conditions by adapting its operating parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12373380B2Storage device, information processing system, and control method

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 BUFFALO CORP LTD

AI summary

A storage device connected to an information processing apparatus includes processing circuitry configured to perform data transfer with the information processing apparatus at any one of a plurality of predetermined data transfer rates. The processing circuitry is further configured to perform the data transfer with the information processing apparatus at a data transfer rate lower than a data transfer rate of an upper limit among the plurality of data transfer rates, without performing the data transfer at the data transfer rate of the upper limit.