Patent · US Active

Rapid off track detection using in-drive microactuator

US7602577B1 · kind B1 · utility

1Cited by
6References
21Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 31, 2006
Grant dateOct 13, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 19, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11B19/045
  • WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A microactuator incorporated within an actuator assembly of a disk drive is used as a detection element for rapid off track events that may occur. Preferably, the microactuator employs one or more piezoelectric elements used for purposes of secondary actuation. Uncontrolled movement of the actuator across the disk results in the piezoelectric elements generating a voltage spike or signal that is analyzed to determine whether a rapid off track event has occurred. Rapid off track events are distinguished from other possible events, such as shock events. If a rapid off track event is detected, then remedial actions are taken to restore data integrity, to include executing restore commands such as rewriting selected data tracks. Dedicated piezoelectric elements may also be provided for detecting rapid off track events wherein these elements are not incorporated in the servo loop that controls positioning of the actuator.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.