Multi-access Hard Disc Drive with Segmented E-blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard disc drive systems face challenges in achieving rapid data access while maintaining a compact design, as the form factor restricts the implementation of larger components and limits space for data storage.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple read/write heads on actuator arms positioned in different portions of a hard disc drive enclosure, with e-blocks of varying sizes and rotations, allows for efficient access to different parts of the storage medium, utilizing voice coils and actuator arms to position read/write heads along arcs, optimizing space usage and access speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple e-blocks are used to access different portions of the storage medium, then data access speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple e-blocks, each responsible for accessing specific portions of the storage medium. This segmentation allows parallel access to different data regions, improving overall data access speed while distributing the complexity across modular units rather than concentrating it in a single complex actuator system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the access system by positioning e-blocks at different locations (opposing corners) of the base deck. Each e-block accesses different radial portions of the storage medium, effectively adding a spatial dimension to data access that enables parallel operations and improves productivity without requiring a single overly complex actuator.
2Volume of moving object
If e-blocks are positioned in opposing corners with limited rotation, then compact design is achieved, but access coverage is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The storage medium is divided into different radial portions, with each e-block assigned to access specific segments. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive coverage by combining the access ranges of multiple specialized e-blocks, rather than requiring a single e-block to rotate through the entire range.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple e-blocks with limited individual rotation ranges are combined to achieve comprehensive access coverage. The opposing corner positioning and coordinated operation of these e-blocks merge their individual access capabilities to cover the entire storage medium, effectively combining partial solutions into a complete system.
3Volume of moving object
If voice coils are sized for limited rotation, then compact form factor is achieved, but positioning range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning task is segmented across multiple e-blocks, each equipped with voice coils sized for limited rotation. Each voice coil positions its associated e-block within a restricted angular range, but the collective positioning capability of all e-blocks covers the entire storage medium, maintaining compact form factors while achieving comprehensive positioning range.
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 configuration enables fast and reliable data access in a compact environment by tailoring the size and rotation of e-blocks to fit within the enclosure, allowing for efficient access to both inner and outer regions of the storage medium, thereby enhancing data access speed while maintaining a compact form factor.
Implementation Method 1
a voice coil connected to the actuator arm and configured and arranged therewith to position the read/write head along an arc extending over a first portion of the storage medium
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving an apparatus operable for read/write access to data storage media. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, a hard disc drive apparatus includes respective e-blocks mounted in different corners of an enclosure (e.g., base deck) having storage media therein. Each e-block has one or more actuator arms having a read/write head thereon and a voice coil that rotates the actuator arm about an axis. The respective e-blocks are operable for read/write access to different regions of the storage media (e.g., with a longer actuator arm utilized for accessing an inner region of disc media, and a shorter actuator arm utilized for accessing an outer region of disc media). The number, size and rotational limits of the respective e-blocks are utilized to facilitate the use of a compact enclosure design while achieving high-speed data access.