Self-Servo-Writing Spiral Track Offset Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional servo writers for magnetic-medium-based storage devices are large, expensive, and inefficient, particularly as track density increases, leading to bottlenecks in disk drive manufacturing due to the time required for servo information writing.
Innovation Solution
The method involves writing multiple reference spiral sets at different tracks with predetermined radial offsets, using these spirals to write servo information, allowing for self-servo-writing processes that reduce the need for external servo writers and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional servo writers are used to write servo information, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disk drive uses its own read/write head and actuator mechanism to write servo information, eliminating the need for external servo writing equipment. The system performs self-servo-writing by utilizing existing components to create the servo patterns that will guide future head positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the servo writing function from external specialized equipment and integrates it into the disk drive itself. By removing the dependency on external servo writers, the system reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining positioning accuracy through self-contained servo pattern generation.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional servo writers are used to write servo information, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The disk drive performs self-servo-writing using its own components, eliminating the need for expensive external servo writing equipment. This self-contained approach reduces manufacturing costs by removing the requirement for specialized external devices while maintaining positioning accuracy through integrated servo pattern generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The read/write head and actuator mechanism serve dual purposes: they perform both user data operations and servo information writing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate servo writing equipment, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining positioning accuracy through the same precision components used for data operations.
3Quantity of substance
If track density increases, then storage capacity is improved, but servo writing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system writes servo information continuously during the disk manufacturing process using pre-established spiral trajectories. By performing servo writing as a preliminary action integrated with the manufacturing flow rather than a separate post-processing step, the system reduces total servo writing time while supporting high track density through efficient spiral-based pattern generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The servo writing process operates continuously during disk manufacturing using continuous spiral trajectories, eliminating the need for repeated positioning and writing operations. This continuous action approach reduces total servo writing time while achieving high track density by maintaining constant motion and writing efficiency throughout the process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems and computer program products for launching one or more reference spiral sets using different tracks are described. In some implementations, a method can be used that includes writing a first spiral set starting at a first track and determining a radial offset. Then a second track is determined based on the radial offset. A second spiral set is also written starting at the second track. A spiral set-to-wedge ratio is determined based on a number of spiral sets to be written. Subsequently, servo information can be written using the first spiral set and the second spiral set. The servo information can include one or more sets of servo wedges, which can be written based on the spiral set-to-wedge ratio.