Offset Ramp Support for Higher Magnetic Storage Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ramp supports for magnetic storage devices are inefficient in holding read-write head assemblies, limiting the capacity and flexibility of magnetic storage devices.
Innovation Solution
The design of ramp supports with offset ramps and angled surfaces that guide read-write head assemblies into parked positions, allowing for more efficient use of space and increased disk capacity within a conventional form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional ramp supports are used, then the structure is simple, but the storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp support structure is divided into multiple discrete ramps (first ramp, second ramp, third ramp, fourth ramp) with different configurations. Each ramp segment serves specific functions for guiding suspension tabs from different carriage arms, allowing independent optimization of each segment while achieving overall increased storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lateral offset between ramps receiving suspension tabs from different carriage arms. Instead of arranging all ramps in a single linear sequence, the structure utilizes lateral spacing to accommodate multiple carriage arms simultaneously, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the ramp arrangement and increasing storage capacity without proportionally increasing footprint area.
2Quantity of substance
If more disks are added to increase capacity, then storage capability improves, but the form factor increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ramps are nested within a compact ramp support structure, with each subsequent ramp positioned to utilize space efficiently alongside previous ramps. The offset arrangement allows ramps to be nested in a way that maximizes disk storage within the constrained lateral and axial dimensions of the drive form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ramp is designed with specific local characteristics (different receiving end offsets, different surface configurations) optimized for its particular function in the sequence. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to pack more ramps into the available space by ensuring each ramp occupies its optimal spatial position rather than using a uniform design.
3Area of stationary object
If ramps are arranged in offset configuration, then space utilization improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ramps with different offset configurations are combined into a single integrated ramp support structure rather than being separate components. This merging allows the complex offset geometry to be manufactured as one piece using standard injection molding or similar processes, distributing the manufacturing complexity across the entire structure rather than requiring precise assembly of multiple separately manufactured components.
Data Source
AI summary
A ramp support for a magnetic storage device includes a first ramp, having a first-ramp receiving end and a first-ramp surface, and a second ramp, having a second-ramp receiving end, offset laterally from the first-ramp receiving end, and a second-ramp surface. A first first-ramp portion faces and is angled toward a virtual plane. A second first-ramp portion faces and is angled away from the virtual plane. A third first-ramp portion faces and is angled toward the virtual plane. A first second-ramp portion faces and is angled toward the virtual plane, and a second second-ramp portion faces and is angled away from the virtual plane. In the direction along the virtual plane, the first second-ramp portion extends further than the first first-ramp portion and terminates at the same location relative to the plane as the second second-ramp portion, and the third first-ramp portion extends further than the second second-ramp portion.