Multi-Disk Pack HDD Stacking Structure for Parallel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of high-capacity hard disk drives (HDDs) has not scaled up commensurately with increases in storage capacity, leading to high latencies and bottlenecks in data access, particularly in clustered environments like data centers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multi-disk pack system with dual spindle motor assemblies, each configured as a modular assembly with a fluid dynamic bearing and multiple disk media, allows for independent and concurrent access to multiple recording disks, enhancing performance and reducing power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of disks within the HDD is increased to increase storage capacity, then storage capacity is improved, but data access performance and IOPS density deteriorate due to bottlenecks and high latencies
Solution Approach 1:
The HDD is divided into multiple independent disk packs, each with its own spindle motor assembly. This segmentation allows parallel access to multiple disks simultaneously, eliminating the bottleneck that occurs when accessing a single large-capacity disk. Each disk pack can be accessed independently by its own actuator, thereby maintaining high IOPS density while providing increased total storage capacity.
2Productivity
If multiple actuators are implemented to provide parallel access to data, then data access performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex multi-actuator system, the invention segments the drive into multiple independent disk packs, each with its own simple single-actuator system. This approach achieves parallel access capability while keeping each actuator system relatively simple and manageable, avoiding the complexity of coordinating multiple actuators on a single disk pack.
3Productivity
If the number of disks is increased to meet IOPS density requirements, then IOPS density is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent disk packs that can be powered and accessed independently. This allows the drive to activate only the specific disk packs needed for current operations, rather than powering all disks simultaneously. Each disk pack's spindle motor can be independently controlled, enabling fine-grained power management that reduces overall power consumption while maintaining high IOPS density when multiple disks are accessed in parallel.
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 significantly improves HDD performance by enabling finer control over disk usage and power consumption, reducing latency, and increasing IOPS density, while maintaining a standard HDD form factor and common architecture.
Implementation Method 1
each configured as a modular assembly with a fluid dynamic bearing
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-disk pack hard disk drive includes first and second spindle motor assemblies mounted one over the other on a base post. Each motor assembly may include a compact axial flux motor. The motor wiring for each may be routed within a structural cutout feature of the base post to an electrical connector at the base. A compact threaded disk clamp and motor hub interface may be implemented to further reduce the vertical height of the multi-disk pack assembly.