Vertically Translatable Heads for Reduced Disk Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data storage devices face challenges in increasing volumetric density due to the fixed disk-to-disk spacing, which limits the number of disks that can be stacked within a given volume, leading to inefficiencies in storage capacity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The use of vertically translatable heads, such as up and down heads, allows for reduced disk-to-disk spacing by enabling a single set of heads to read from and write to multiple disks, thereby decreasing the volume required for heads and increasing the number of disks that can be stacked within the same form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed disk-to-disk spacing is used with dedicated heads for each disk, then each disk can be accessed independently and reliably, but volumetric density decreases and the number of disks that can be stacked is limited
Solution Approach 1:
A single read/write head is designed to serve multiple disks sequentially by translating vertically among them. The head functions as a universal access device that can read from or write to any disk in the stack, eliminating the need for dedicated heads per disk and thereby increasing volumetric density.
Solution Approach 2:
The read/write head is made dynamically movable in the vertical direction among multiple disks. This dynamic positioning capability allows the head to access different disks on demand, replacing the static one-to-one head-disk configuration and enabling closer disk spacing.
2Quantity of substance
If more disks are stacked to increase storage capacity, then volumetric density improves, but disk-to-disk spacing must be reduced which complicates head translation and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary translation mechanism is introduced between the head and the disks to facilitate smooth vertical movement. This mechanism mediates the complex positioning requirements by providing a structured pathway for the head to translate among closely spaced disks, reducing the operational complexity despite increased disk density.
3Volume of stationary object
If vertically translatable heads are used to reduce disk-to-disk spacing, then volumetric density increases and more disks can be stacked, but the complexity of the actuator mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical actuator system is replaced or augmented with a translation mechanism that simplifies vertical head movement. By substituting traditional multi-component actuators with a more streamlined translation system, the patent reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the capability to access closely spaced disks.
4Productivity
If multiple heads are used for multiple disks, then each disk can be accessed simultaneously improving productivity, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of simultaneous access with multiple heads, the system uses periodic action where a single head sequentially accesses different disks in a time-multiplexed manner. The head translates to the required disk position and performs operations in a periodic cycle, achieving effective multi-disk access without the complexity of multiple concurrent heads.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a plurality of storage media mounted on a rotatable spindle. The apparatus also includes an actuator with at least one actuator arm configured to translate among the plurality of storage media and at least two heads supported on the at least one actuator arm. Each of the at least two heads is configured to communicate with the plurality of storage media.