Data Storage Disc Track Centering via Edge Pushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face challenges in accurately testing head gimbal assemblies (HGAs) due to eccentricity issues during the testing of data storage discs, which can lead to mechanical stress and handling-related problems, necessitating a method to center disc tracks for effective reading and writing.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses a processor-controlled positioner assembly to determine and reduce the eccentricity of data tracks on a test disc by pushing the disc's edge, aligning the central point with the spindle axis, thereby minimizing eccentricity interference during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is arranged concentrically around a central point on the disc, then data storage is enabled, but the central point becomes eccentric with respect to the spindle axis, causing reading/writing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary centering actions by detecting the eccentricity of the central point relative to the spindle axis and adjusting the disc position before actual reading and writing operations begin. This preliminary alignment ensures that subsequent data operations occur with minimal eccentricity interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the central point relative to the spindle axis during disc rotation and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the disc positioning, thereby maintaining accurate track centering throughout the reading and writing processes.
2Reliability
If the disc is manually positioned to reduce eccentricity, then reading and writing accuracy improves, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-centering by automatically detecting its own eccentricity conditions and adjusting the disc position without external intervention. The automated positioning system monitors track positions and autonomously corrects eccentricity, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and actuators to detect and correct disc eccentricity. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems dramatically reduces centering time while improving precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanisms are used to center the disc, then positioning precision improves, but the device complexity and number of moving parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial correction by adjusting the disc position only to the extent necessary to reduce eccentricity to an acceptable level, rather than attempting perfect alignment. This partial action approach achieves sufficient positioning precision without requiring overly complex mechanisms with multiple adjustment stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the disc drive by adjusting rotation speed, positioning velocity, and tolerance thresholds dynamically during the centering process. These parameter adjustments enable adequate positioning precision using simpler mechanisms that operate within optimized parameter ranges rather than requiring complex hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to methods and apparatus for repositioning a data storage disc on a spindle assembly, to reduce eccentricity of data on the disc. The eccentricity can be identified and be reduced automatically by determining the magnitude and direction of an eccentricity vector that representing a misalignment of a central point around which the data are arranged on a data storage disk with an axis of a spindle, and moving the disc so that the eccentricity vector is reduced. One technique for moving the disc is to push the edge of the disc so that the central point moves closer to the axis of the spindle.