Physical destruction of electrical device and methods for triggering same

Abstract

An apparatus and method for disrupting or destroying a component of an electronic device is provided. In one example, an electronic device includes a memory for storing data and a combustion device disposed therewith, the combustion device comprising a volume of electrically ignitable propellant disposed to render the memory at least partially inaccessible after combusted. For example, the combustion device could damage the memory itself or another component of the electronic device, such as a controller or read head, thereby rendering the data inaccessible. In some examples, the memory may include a magnetic storage material such as a magnetic hard drive and the combustion device may be disposed and operable to provide demagnetization of the storage material when combusted. In other examples, the combustion device may merely destroy or render inoperable the read head or other components of the electronic device needed for accessing stored data.

1 . An electronic device including apparatus for disrupting the operation of the electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
 a memory for storing data; and   a combustion device comprising a volume of electrically ignitable propellant, the combustion device disposed to render the memory at least partially inaccessible after combusted.   
     
     
         2 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is disposed to damage the memory when combusted. 
     
     
         3 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is disposed to damage circuitry for accessing the memory when combusted. 
     
     
         4 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the memory comprises a magnetic storage material and the combustion device is disposed to provide demagnetization of the magnetic storage material when combusted. 
     
     
         5 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is disposed to damage a component of the electronic device. 
     
     
         6 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically ignitable propellant is capable of self sustaining combustion. 
     
     
         7 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the electrically ignitable propellant requires current to sustain combustion. 
     
     
         8 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is initiated by a switch associated locally with the electronic device. 
     
     
         9 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is initiated remotely from the electronic device. 
     
     
         10 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is initiated by a wireless signal. 
     
     
         11 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is initiated by a signal received via a network connection. 
     
     
         12 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is initiated by a signal received via the Internet. 
     
     
         13 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device is initiated in response to a security breach. 
     
     
         14 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device comprises coaxially disposed electrodes. 
     
     
         15 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the volume of electrically ignitable propellant comprises a cylindrical ring of propellant defining a core region, the core region operable to channel exhaust gasses from the combustion device during combustion. 
     
     
         16 . The electronic device of  claim 1 , wherein the combustion device further comprises a nozzle for passing combustion gases. 
     
     
         17 . An electronic device including apparatus for disrupting the operation of the electronic device, the apparatus comprising:
 at least one electrical component; and   a combustion device comprising a volume of electrically ignitable propellant, the combustion device disposed to render the at least one electrical component at least partially inoperable after combusted.   
     
     
         18 . A method for providing electrical ignition of a combustion device for disrupting the operation of an electronic device, the method comprising the acts of:
 causing the initiation of a combustion device disposed with an electronic device, the combustion device comprising a volume of electrically ignitable propellant and disposed to disrupt operation of the electronic device.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the combustion device is disposed within the electrical device to cause data to be at least partially inaccessible after the combustion device is activated.