Z-Axis Non-Operation Shock Detection Using Higher Harmonics

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for detecting non-operation shock (NOS) in disc drives, particularly Z-axis NOS, are inadequate, leading to misclassification and non-detection, resulting in unnecessary recalibration and potential data integrity issues.

Innovation Solution

The detection of NOS is based on changes in the vector of harmonics other than the first harmonic, such as the second, third, or twelfth harmonic of the spindle, allowing for more accurate determination of NOS occurrence and reducing misclassification and non-detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If current methods for detecting non-operation shock (NOS) in disc drives are used, then the detection process is simple, but the accuracy of NOS detection is poor leading to misclassification and non-detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of NOS detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of detection method
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from first harmonic vector to higher-order harmonic vectors (second, third, or twelfth harmonics). This parameter change enables more accurate detection of Z-axis NOS events because higher-order harmonics are more sensitive to the specific mechanical disturbances caused by axial shocks, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and method complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from using a single harmonic dimension (first harmonic) to multiple harmonic dimensions (second, third, or twelfth harmonics). This dimensional expansion in the frequency domain provides additional information about the shock event, improving detection accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through selective harmonic analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If current NOS detection methods are used, then the detection system is simple, but unnecessary recalibration occurs due to misclassification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive performanceVSAvoidtime for recalibration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the NOS detector continuously monitors higher-order harmonic vectors and compares them against threshold values. When a genuine NOS event is detected through this feedback loop, appropriate recalibration is triggered; when normal variations occur, no recalibration is performed. This eliminates unnecessary recalibration events and associated productivity losses while maintaining drive performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If current NOS detection methods are used, then the detection process is quick, but data integrity issues arise due to non-detection of actual NOS events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata integrityVSAvoiddifficulty of NOS detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent exploits the mechanical vibration characteristics of the disc drive spindle system by analyzing higher-order harmonic vectors that are generated during NOS events. These harmonic vibrations are distinct signatures of axial shocks that affect data integrity. By monitoring these specific vibration patterns, the system can reliably detect actual NOS events that would otherwise go unnoticed, thereby protecting data integrity without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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

This approach improves the accuracy of NOS detection, reducing unnecessary recalibration and ensuring better drive performance by effectively identifying NOS-induced changes in the disc drive.

Implementation Method 1

determine an occurrence of NOS based at least in part on a change in vector of at least one harmonic of the spindle other than a first harmonic

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHarmonic analysis:

Data Source

PatentUS10176843B2Detection of z-axis non-operation shock
Publication Date: 2019.01.08 SEAGATE TECH LLC
  • US10176843B2 patent drawing
  • US10176843B2 patent drawing
  • US10176843B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for determining an occurrence of non-operation shock (NOS) in a disc drive are described. Such determining may be used to determine whether or not the disc drive should be recalibrated or compensated to account for changes induced by NOS. Determining NOS may be based at least in part on a harmonic of the spindle of the disc drive other than the first harmonic, such as a third harmonic of the spindle. In some embodiments, determining NOS may be based on the first harmonic of the spindle and at least one other harmonic of the spindle.