Dual Optical Pick-Up Head Drive for Simultaneous Disk Side Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical disk drives are unable to efficiently read data from both sides of an optical disk, limiting storage capacity and requiring new designs to accommodate dual-sided data storage.

Innovation Solution

The optical disk drive incorporates two optical pick-up heads, a spindle motor with a turntable, and a clamper mechanism, allowing for simultaneous reading from both sides of the disk through a dual-body design with aligning and positioning features to ensure correct alignment and rotation speed synchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single optical pick-up head is used, then the device structure is simple, but data reading is limited to one side of the disk only

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata reading capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical disk drive is segmented into two independent reading systems: a lower body with a first optical pick-up head for reading the first side of the disk, and an upper body with a second optical pick-up head for reading the second side of the disk. This segmentation allows simultaneous dual-sided data access while maintaining modular design simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-sided to dual-sided data access by adding the upper body structure that operates in a different spatial dimension (above the disk) compared to the traditional lower body (below the disk). This dimensional expansion enables concurrent reading from both faces of the optical disk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If dual-sided data storage is implemented, then storage capacity is increased, but alignment precision between the two pick-up heads becomes critical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with optical alignment features. The aligning portions on both bodies include light-transmitting structures that automatically align the two optical pick-up heads through optical path matching, eliminating the need for precision mechanical adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The aligning portions with light-transmitting structures enable self-alignment of the upper and lower bodies. When the aligning portions are positioned opposite each other, the optical paths automatically align, allowing the system to self-correct and maintain precise alignment without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If two optical pick-up heads are used for simultaneous reading, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Both the upper body and lower body employ identical structural designs with corresponding aligning portions, allowing the same modular unit to serve dual functions. This universality simplifies manufacturing and assembly while enabling simultaneous operation of two pick-up heads for enhanced productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9966101B1Optical disk drive with multiple optical pick-up heads

Publication Date: 2018.05.08 LITE ON ELECTRONICS (GUANGZHOU) LTD

AI summary

An optical disk drive is provided. The optical disk drive includes a first carrying member disposed on a base, and a second carrying member disposed on an upper cover. The first carrying member has a first optical pick-up head and a spindle motor. The second carrying member has a second optical pick-up head and a clamper rotatably disposed on the second carrying member. The clamper and the spindle motor together clamp an optical disk.