Variable Sampling Free Fall Detection for Hard Disk Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing free fall detection systems in information handling systems often result in false detections due to vibrations from external sources like speakers, leading to improper locking of hard disk drive read/write heads during actual free falls.
Innovation Solution
A free fall sensing system that includes free fall sensors, an amplifier and sampling module, a sampling data analyzer, a monitor unit, a counter timer, and a sampling clock duration controller, which vary the sampling signal duration and frequency to differentiate between true free fall events and false vibrations, preventing unnecessary lock-downs of the read/write head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the free fall sensor uses a fixed frequency and duration for sampling, then the sampling process is simple, but false free fall detections occur due to vibrations from external sources like speakers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sampling frequency and duration variable rather than fixed. The sampling clock duration controller dynamically adjusts the sampling parameters based on counter timer values, allowing the system to adapt sampling characteristics to different detection scenarios and minimize false detections from vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the counter timer that generates periodic sampling triggers. The sampling occurs at periodic intervals determined by the counter timer and sampling clock duration controller, creating a structured sampling pattern that helps distinguish true free fall events from random vibrations.
2Reliability
If the system locks down the read/write head during any detected vibration, then the hard disk drive is protected from potential damage, but unnecessary lock-downs occur during false free fall detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the sampling data analyzer to continuously monitor sampled data points and compare them against predetermined thresholds. The system uses this feedback information to determine whether to trigger a free fall detection and subsequent read/write head lock-down, ensuring that protection is activated only when genuinely needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes parameters by comparing sampled data points against predetermined threshold values and adjusting the sampling frequency and duration based on counter timer values. These parameter changes enable the system to distinguish between normal vibrations and true free fall events, preventing unnecessary lock-downs while maintaining adequate protection.
3Measurement precision
If the sampling frequency and duration are varied to distinguish true free falls from vibrations, then false detections are minimized, but the sampling control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component, the sampling clock duration controller, which mediates between the counter timer and the amplifier/sampling module. This intermediary translates counter timer values into appropriate sampling duration adjustments, simplifying the overall control architecture while enabling precise differentiation between true free falls and vibrations.
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
Effectively minimizes false free fall detections by accurately distinguishing between actual free falls and external vibrations, ensuring the hard disk drive's read/write head is only locked down during genuine falls, thereby protecting the drive from damage.
Implementation Method 1
free fall sensor to mitigate damage to a hard disk drive when the portable computer falls
Implementation Method 2
free fall sensor detects that the portable computer is experiencing a free fall event
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system includes a free fall sensing system having an amplifier and sampling circuit, a sampling data analyzer, a sampling clock duration controller, and a sampling clock generator. The amplifier and sampling circuit is configured to sample data signals from the free fall sensor based on an initial sampling signal and based on a variable sampling signal. The sampling data analyzer is configured to compare a magnitude of sampled data point to a predetermined magnitude, to output an alert signal when the magnitude of the sampled data point is below the predetermined magnitude. The sampling clock duration controller is configured to vary a duration and a frequency of a sampling signal control in response to the alert signal. The sampling clock generator is configured to send a variable sampling signal to the amplifier and sampling circuit in response to the variation of the duration and the frequency of the sampling signal control.