Movable Ramp Bracket for HDD Head Stack Z-Direction Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hard disc drives (HDDs) face challenges in preventing read/write heads from landing on discs when power is removed and in allowing up/down movement of head stack assemblies (HSAs) without colliding with disc edges, due to the design of single-unit ramps that prevent simultaneous movement with the HSA.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a split ramp system with a stationary and movable ramp portion, where the HSA is rotated away from the discs and supported on the movable ramp, allowing the elevator to move the actuator arm and ramp in unison, enabling up/down movement without collision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-unit ramp is used to support the head stack assembly, then the head can be supported when rotated away from the disc, but the ramp cannot move simultaneously with the HSA in the z direction, preventing up/down movement without collision
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into two separate units: a stationary ramp portion and a movable ramp portion. The movable ramp portion can be selectively engaged with the actuator arm to move in unison with the HSA in the z direction, while the stationary ramp portion remains fixed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the ramp to both support the head (via either portion) and enable z direction movement (via the movable portion when engaged).
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp system transitions from a static single-unit design to a dynamic two-portion design where the movable ramp portion can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the actuator arm. When engaged, the movable ramp portion dynamically moves with the HSA in the z direction; when disengaged, the stationary ramp portion provides fixed support. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between providing reliable head support and enabling z direction movement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ramp is made movable to allow z direction movement with the HSA, then up/down movement is enabled, but the complexity of the ramp structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ramp into stationary and movable portions, the complexity is distributed and managed more efficiently. The stationary portion maintains simple fixed support functionality, while the movable portion incorporates the engagement mechanism with the actuator arm. This segmentation allows the z direction movement capability to be added without requiring the entire ramp structure to be complex and movable.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable ramp portion acts as an intermediary between the stationary ramp and the actuator arm. It provides the necessary engagement interface with the actuator arm while maintaining a relatively simple structure itself. This intermediary approach enables z direction movement capability without requiring excessive complexity in the overall ramp system, as only the intermediary movable portion needs the engagement mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bracket engages the actuator arm to move the ramp in unison with the HSA, then simultaneous z direction movement is achieved, but the bracket must be engageable and disengageable from the actuator arm
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with dynamic engagement capability, allowing it to be selectively connected to or disconnected from the actuator arm. When engaged, the bracket enables the movable ramp portion to move in unison with the HSA in the z direction. When disengaged, the movable ramp portion can be repositioned or the stationary ramp portion provides support. This dynamic engagement mechanism achieves simultaneous movement capability while keeping the engagement/disengagement process relatively simple and controlled.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes at least one data storage disc, at least one head supported by a rotatable actuator arm, an elevator configured to move the rotatable actuator arm in a z direction, a first vertical guide post, a ramp assembly configured to support the head on a movable ramp, and a bracket attached to the movable ramp. The at least one head is configured to communicate with the at least one data storage disc when positioned over the at least one data storage disc. The movable ramp is moveable in a z direction parallel to the first vertical guide post. The bracket is engageable to the rotatable actuator arm so that the bracket moves along the first vertical guide post in unison with z direction motion of the rotatable actuator arm via the elevator, and the bracket is disengageable from the rotatable actuator arm.