In-Situ Disk Drive Vibration Testing via Operational Sequences

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing the reliability of hard disk drives in computer systems, such as using programmable shaker tables, are time-consuming and expensive, and do not allow for real-time monitoring of disk drive degradation.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates vibrations within a computer system by determining a sequence of disk operations to match a desired vibration profile, allowing for real-time monitoring of disk drive performance and remedial actions to be taken if degradation is detected, without the need for external shaker tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a programmable shaker table is used to perform vibration studies on disk drives, then vibration testing can be performed to identify drives likely to fail, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk drive reliabilityVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the external mechanical shaker table system with an in-situ vibration generation method that uses the disk drive's own operational mechanics (spindle rotation, actuator movement, read/write operations) to generate vibrations. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive external equipment and reduces testing time while maintaining the ability to assess vibration-induced reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The disk drive tests itself by generating vibrations through its own normal operational activities. The drive's spindle rotation, head positioning, and data access operations naturally produce vibrations that can be monitored and analyzed. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external testing equipment and reduces both time and cost while providing realistic vibration conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a programmable shaker table is used to perform vibration studies on disk drives, then vibration testing can be performed to identify drives likely to fail, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk drive reliabilityVSAvoidtesting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the expensive external mechanical shaker table system with an in-situ vibration generation method that uses the disk drive's own operational mechanics (spindle rotation, actuator movement, read/write operations) to generate vibrations. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive external equipment and reduces testing time while maintaining the ability to assess vibration-induced reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The disk drive tests itself by generating vibrations through its own normal operational activities. The drive's spindle rotation, head positioning, and data access operations naturally produce vibrations that can be monitored and analyzed. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external testing equipment and reduces both time and cost while providing realistic vibration conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional shaker table methods are used, then vibration testing can be performed, but real-time monitoring of disk drive degradation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk drive reliabilityVSAvoidreal-time monitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time monitoring of disk drive performance parameters (vibration signals, operational metrics) during vibration generation. The system continuously analyzes feedback from sensors and operational data to detect degradation patterns, enabling proactive identification of drives at risk of failure. This feedback loop allows for continuous assessment rather than periodic external testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the external mechanical shaker table system with an in-situ vibration generation method that uses the disk drive's own operational mechanics (spindle rotation, actuator movement, read/write operations) to generate vibrations. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive external equipment and reduces testing time while maintaining the ability to assess vibration-induced reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS7756648B1Method and apparatus for facilitating in-situ vibration testing of disk drives

Publication Date: 2010.07.13 ORACLE AMERICAN INC

AI summary

A system that generates vibrations within a computer system. During operation, the system receives a desired vibration profile. Next, the system determines a sequence of disk operations for one or more disk drives within the computer system that generates vibrations which substantially matches the desired vibration profile. The system then performs the sequence of disk operations on the one or more disk drives to generate the vibrations.