Multiple Disk Loader Rods With Offset Pins For Stack Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk loading technologies face challenges in efficiently accessing and separating disks from large stacks for loading into disk drives, particularly in cold storage systems where rapid and precise retrieval of archived data is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A multiple disk loader apparatus comprising a plurality of rods with radially extending pins, controlled by a rotation device, which allows for insertion, extraction, and separation of disks from a stack by rotating the rods through specific configurations to isolate and load individual disks into a disk drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single rod is used to extract disks from storage, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is insufficient for handling large stacks efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The extraction mechanism is segmented into multiple independent rods (first rod, second rod, third rod) that can operate simultaneously or sequentially. Each rod is equipped with pins that can be independently positioned, allowing parallel processing of multiple disks from the stack, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Force
If pins are positioned to engage the disk stack for extraction, then the extraction force is sufficient, but the pins may inadvertently engage and damage the disk during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The pins are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to be rotated between different angular positions. During insertion, pins are positioned at angles that avoid engagement with the disk. During extraction, pins are rotated to positions where they engage the disk stack's lower surface. This dynamic repositioning ensures sufficient extraction force while preventing accidental engagement and damage during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
Before the rods are inserted into the disk stack, the pins are pre-positioned at specific angular orientations that prevent engagement with the disk. This preliminary action ensures that insertion occurs without interference. After insertion, the pins are then rotated to engagement positions for extraction, separating the insertion and extraction phases in time
3Measurement precision
If multiple rods are used to separate disks from the stack, then the separation precision is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk separation function is divided among multiple rods, each with its own pins that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows precise positioning of individual pins to target specific disks within the stack. The control mechanism manages each rod separately, reducing overall complexity compared to a single complex positioning system while achieving higher separation precision through distributed control
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple disk loader apparatus includes a plurality of rods. Each rod has a pair of pins extending radially from a side of the rod. The pair of pins are spaced circumferentially around the rod with respect to each other. Each pin has a top surface wherein the top surface of a first pin is longitudinally separated from the top surface of a second pin by a predetermined gap. A rotation device is coupled to the plurality of rods. The rotation device rotates the plurality of rods individually through a respective predetermined arc and in a respective rotational direction in order to extract a disk stack from storage and to separate a disk from the stack to load into a drive.