Hard Disk Head Parking via Pressure Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thinner and lighter notebook computers are prone to damage from external forces, which can cause the hard disk's platter to be scratched by the head due to the closer proximity of components, necessitating a method to prevent such damage.
Innovation Solution
A computer system equipped with a pressure sensor and a controller that monitors pressure values between the hard disk and the case, issuing a command to park the head when excessive pressure is detected, thereby preventing damage to the platter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the notebook computer is made thinner and lighter, then the portability and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the components are closer to each other and the case becomes thinner, making the hard disk more vulnerable to damage from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor detects external forces before they can cause damage to the hard disk. When pressure exceeds a threshold, the controller proactively moves the head to a landing zone position, preventing potential scratches or damage to the platter surface before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure on the hard disk through the pressure sensor and provides real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically adjusts the head position, moving it to a safe landing zone when excessive pressure is detected and returning it to the normal operating range when pressure is normalized
2Length of moving object
If the notebook computer is made thinner and lighter, then the portability is improved, but the head may scratch the platter when the hard disk is pressed by external force
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor detects external forces before they can cause damage to the hard disk. When pressure exceeds a threshold, the controller proactively moves the head to a landing zone position, preventing potential scratches or damage to the platter surface before they occur
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the hard disk components. It detects external pressure and triggers the controller to move the head to a safe position, serving as an early warning system that prevents direct contact between the head and platter under stressful conditions
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
Effectively prevents damage to the hard disk by moving the head out of the access range when external pressure exceeds a threshold, ensuring data protection and component safety.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor is disposed between the hard disk and the case and configured to obtain a pressure value
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and a controlling method for a hard disk are provided. The computer system includes a case, a hard disk, a pressure sensor and a controller. The hard disk is disposed in the case and includes a platter and head, which is used to access the platter in an access range. The pressure sensor is disposed between the hard disk and the case, and is configured to obtain a pressure value. The controller is coupled to the pressure sensor and the hard disk, and is configured to determine if the pressure value is larger than or equal to a threshold. If the pressure value is larger than or equal to the threshold, the controller issues a command to the hard disk, such that the head leaves the access range. Accordingly, the hard disk is prevented from being damaged.