Disk Device Back-EMF Recovery Circuit for Power Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disk devices face inefficiencies in power usage due to the conversion of back electromotive voltage into thermal energy in voice coil motors, leading to increased power consumption during seek operations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electricity storage unit that allows for the charging of electrical energy generated by back electromotive voltage during constant speed periods in seek operations, enabling the storage and subsequent use of this energy to power motors and ICs, thereby reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If back electromotive voltage is converted into thermal energy in voice coil motors during seek operations, then the motor can perform seeking operations, but power consumption increases and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the previously harmful back electromotive voltage (which caused energy loss as thermal energy) into a beneficial resource by rectifying it into usable direct current to charge the electricity storage unit. This transforms waste energy into useful energy that can power the disk device during idle periods, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining seek operation capability and reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention recovers energy that would otherwise be discarded during seek operations. By capturing the back electromotive voltage generated during voice coil motor operation and storing it in the electricity storage unit, the system recovers wasted energy for later use, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full seek operation functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electricity storage unit is integrated to store back electromotive voltage energy, then power usage efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electricity storage unit serves multiple functions: it stores energy from rectified back electromotive voltage, provides power during idle periods, and enables the system to operate during power supply interruptions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering substantial power efficiency improvements and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectifier circuit acts as an intermediary component that bridges the voice coil motor and the electricity storage unit, converting the alternating back electromotive voltage into usable direct current. This intermediary element enables efficient energy transfer and storage while maintaining system manageability and avoiding excessive complexity.
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
This configuration effectively utilizes electrical energy that would otherwise be lost as thermal energy, enhancing power usage efficiency and reducing total power consumption in disk devices.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy generated by back electromotive voltage during constant speed periods in seek operations
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, there is provided a disk device including a head, a disk, a first motor, and a first circuit. The disk has a recording surface. The first motor causes the head to seek along the recording surface. The first circuit can switch between a first state and a second state. The first state is a state where a current path of the first motor is electrically cut off from a first electricity storage unit. The second state is a state where the current path of the first motor is electrically connected to the first electricity storage unit.