Magnetic Disk Head Skip Processing for Write Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic disk devices often require more magnetic heads than necessary for specified capacity, leading to inefficiencies and potential write errors due to unstable writing environments, where one head is skipped and not utilized effectively.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic disk device with a skip processor and write environment detecting unit that selects between regular and skip heads based on environmental conditions, allowing for stable writing and efficient data management by switching between heads depending on vibration, temperature, humidity, or atmospheric pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If more magnetic heads are mounted than required for specified capacity, then manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases, but reliability improves through head selection and skip processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational state parameter of magnetic heads by introducing a skip processing mode. Heads can be dynamically switched between active recording mode and skip mode based on write environment conditions, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions without hardware changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the head selection dynamic by using a write environment detecting unit and skip processing control unit that continuously monitor conditions and switch between regular heads and skip heads based on real-time environmental assessment, rather than using a fixed head configuration
2Productivity
If skip heads are not utilized, then device complexity reduces, but resource utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes magnetic heads universal by enabling skip heads to perform dual functions: they can serve as backup heads for reliable writing under adverse conditions, and can be activated as regular recording heads when needed. This multi-functionality increases resource utilization without adding new hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the write environment detecting unit continuously monitors conditions and provides feedback to the skip processing control unit, which then adjusts head selection accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes resource utilization based on real-time conditions
3Productivity
If writing is performed under adverse environmental conditions, then productivity maintains, but write quality deteriorates and errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (skip processing control unit) that mediates between the write environment conditions and the actual writing operation. When adverse conditions are detected, the intermediary switches to skip mode, preventing direct writing that would compromise quality while maintaining system operation
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
This approach ensures stable writing by using the skip head during adverse conditions and switching data back to regular heads when conditions improve, maintaining write quality and preventing errors, thus enhancing write performance and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first magnetic head H0 corresponding to a first disk surface M0; a second magnetic head H1 corresponding to a second disk surface M1
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a first magnetic head corresponding to a first disk surface; a second magnetic head corresponding to a second disk surface; a skip processor which performs skip processing to prevent selection of the second magnetic head when the first magnetic head performs writing; a write data saving unit which selects the second magnetic head based on a result of the detection of ae write environment, and writes write data to the second disk surface through the second magnetic head; and a write data write-back unit which selects the first magnetic head based on a result of the detection of the write environment, and writes the write data written to the second disk surface to the first disk surface through the first magnetic head.