Multi-Head Storage Actuator Positioning and Servo Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage systems, such as magnetic disk drives, are limited in their ability to simultaneously write data to multiple platters due to the lack of independent control over multiple heads, leading to inefficiencies in data access and potential misalignment issues during reading and writing operations.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows multiple write heads to write data to multiple storage media platters simultaneously, with only one actuator controlling the position of the heads, while using read heads to record servo data and determine the radial position of each write head, enabling simultaneous writing and reading across multiple tracks within a cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator controls all write heads to move them to different radial track locations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because only one head can be positioned accurately at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the writing operation into two phases: a positioning phase where the single actuator moves all heads to a common radial location, and a writing phase where multiple heads write simultaneously to different tracks. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple actuator control while achieving multi-head productivity through coordinated timing and track assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning of all write heads to a common radial track location using the single actuator before initiating simultaneous writing operations. This preliminary action ensures that all heads are correctly positioned before the productivity-critical writing phase begins, resolving the contradiction between simple control structure and high productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple write heads write to multiple platters simultaneously, then the productivity increases, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to potential misalignment of heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where read heads associated with each write head continuously monitor the radial position of their corresponding write head during writing operations. Position error signals are generated and used to adjust and maintain precise alignment of each write head on its designated track, enabling simultaneous multi-head writing without sacrificing manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses read heads as intermediary devices to monitor and verify the position of write heads during simultaneous writing operations. These read heads act as mediators that provide real-time position information, allowing the control system to maintain manufacturing precision across multiple write heads while achieving high productivity through parallel operations.
3Measurement precision
If the actuator moves all heads to accommodate one head's operation, then the measurement precision of head position is maintained, but the loss of time increases due to waiting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple writing operations into a single coordinated action where the actuator positions all write heads to a common radial location once, and then multiple heads write simultaneously to different tracks on different platters. This combining of operations eliminates the need for sequential head-by-head positioning, maintaining measurement precision through unified positioning while dramatically reducing operation waiting time through parallel execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action by having multiple write heads write data simultaneously to different platters after a single positioning action. This eliminates idle waiting time between operations and maintains continuous productivity, while the unified actuator control preserves measurement precision. The read heads continuously monitor positions to ensure ongoing accuracy throughout the writing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of writing data using more than one write head to write to more than one storage media platter surface of a storage device, where one actuator in the storage device controls positions of all of the write heads, includes controlling the position of one of the write heads to a selected radial track location, writing simultaneously to storage media of the storage device at the selected radial track location using a plurality of the write heads, and, during the writing at the selected radial track location, reading servo data using respective read heads associated with each respective one of the plurality of write heads and recording the radial position of the respective heads for the selected radial track location. During reading, the recorded head position for the track of the platter surface to be read is determined, and the read head is served to the recorded head position.