Predicting operational problems in a hard-disk drive (HDD)
US8085488B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 27, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 12, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B2220/2516
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation is provided. The HDD comprises a differential pressure sensor capable of measuring the difference in the pressure between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. The differential pressure sensor may reside in a breather filter covering an air passage within the enclosure. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the difference in pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a particle counter, and a chemical vapor sensor which may be used by the risk assessment component.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.