Dielectric Tape Storage with Electrostatic Actuation for Fast Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices face challenges in achieving a balance between cost per stored bit, form factor, and read/write speed, with NAND flash being expensive, HDDs being slow and large, and conventional tape memory being slow and unsuitable for handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
A storage device utilizing a flexible nanosheet tape with alternating regions of lower and higher dielectric constants, actuated by a dielectric slab mechanism to enable fast and precise movement, allowing for compact, low-cost, and high-speed data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional tape memory is used for storage, then cost per stored bit is reduced, but read/write speed deteriorates and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tape is segmented into alternating first regions with lower dielectric constant and second regions with higher dielectric constant along its length. This segmentation enables the dielectric slab actuator to selectively interact with different regions, facilitating faster and more precise tape positioning while maintaining the low-cost advantage of tape storage
Solution Approach 2:
The conventional mechanical tape transport mechanism is replaced with a dielectric slab actuator that uses electrostatic forces to move the tape. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components, reducing device size and improving read/write speed while maintaining cost-effectiveness
2Speed
If HDD is used for storage, then read/write speed is improved, but device size and cost per stored bit worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The bulky mechanical HDD structure is replaced with a compact dielectric slab actuator system that uses electrostatic fields for tape transport. This substitution dramatically reduces device size while achieving comparable or better read/write speeds through precise and rapid tape positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the storage system by using a flexible nanosheet tape with alternating dielectric constant regions. This enables the tape to be manipulated by electrostatic forces in a compact form factor, achieving high speed with reduced device area
3Area of stationary object
If micromechanical storage device is used, then device size is reduced, but storage medium area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional chip-based storage to a flexible tape medium that can be folded and stacked in three-dimensional space. The alternating dielectric constant regions enable precise control of the flexible tape, allowing large storage medium area to be packed into a compact device volume through vertical stacking and folding
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 provides a compact, cost-effective storage device with enhanced read/write speed, particularly suitable for handling many small files, achieving an area enhancement that surpasses traditional storage technologies in density and performance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more actuators configured to apply an electrical field across the width of the tape, in order to move the tape in length direction
Implementation Method 2
the tape including a plurality of first regions with a lower dielectric constant and a plurality of second regions with a higher dielectric constant
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of storage devices configured to store data on a tape. Embodiments of the invention present such a storage device, wherein the storage device comprises the tape, which is configured to store data, the tape including a plurality of first regions with a lower dielectric constant and a plurality of second regions with a higher dielectric constant. The first regions and the second regions are alternatingly arranged along the length of the tape. Further, the storage device comprises one or more actuators configured to apply an electrical field across the width of the tape, in order to move the tape in length direction. Further, the storage device comprises one or more data heads configured to read and/or write data from and/or to the tape.