Magnetic Disk Microactuator Inspection via Switch Circuit Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic disk devices face challenges in diagnosing microactuator failures before assembly, requiring disassembly and reconfiguration to identify issues, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic disk device with a control circuit and switch circuit that allows for selective operation and inspection of microactuators, enabling the determination of errors without assembling the head disk assembly, by transmitting instructions to specify which magnetic head and microactuator to operate and measuring electrical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all microactuators are connected in parallel and operated by a specific voltage, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect and measure individual microactuator failures is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the parallel-connected microactuators into individually controllable groups using a switch circuit. Each microactuator can be selectively connected or disconnected from the control circuit board through the switch circuit, enabling individual testing and failure detection while maintaining the overall parallel connection structure for reduced complexity during normal operation.
2Measurement precision
If the control printed circuit board is attached after assembling the head disk assembly, then microactuator inspection can be performed, but the productivity is reduced due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables microactuator inspection to be performed before the head disk assembly is fully assembled. By allowing the control circuit board to be attached and microactuators to be tested independently prior to final assembly, the system identifies failures early in the manufacturing process, avoiding time-consuming disassembly and reconfiguration steps later.
3Reliability
If the magnetic head is moved to read a predetermined mark on the magnetic disk, then microactuator failure can be detected, but the time required for inspection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (moving the magnetic head to read marks on the disk) with an electrical measurement method. The control circuit board measures electrical characteristics of the microactuators directly through the switch circuit, eliminating the need for mechanical positioning and disk rotation, thereby significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining reliable failure detection.
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
Facilitates easy inspection of microactuators before assembly, reducing the need for disassembly and reconfiguration, saving time and labor, and extending the lifespan of microactuators by selective operation.
Implementation Method 1
The microactuator is an actuator which has a small driving unit using a piezo element and has a high operation response speed
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic disk device includes a control circuit, and a disk unit including a plurality of magnetic disks, a plurality of magnetic heads configured to read or write data from or to the magnetic disks, a first actuator configured to move the magnetic heads, a plurality of second actuators each configured to move the corresponding magnetic head, and a switch circuit configured to connect the control circuit and one of the second actuators. The control circuit is configured to transmit to the disk unit an instruction in which one of the magnetic heads is specified, control one of the second actuators corresponding to the specified magnetic head to move the magnetic head via the switch circuit, and based on a signal from the one of the second actuators, determine whether an error occurs in the one of the second actuators.