Detecting transducer position precisely with a reusable sensor assembly
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorsJohn Frederick Runyon, Mark August Toffle, Brent Melvin Weichelt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for transducer position detection uses inert contact surfaces to engage an actuator temporarily. The inert contact surfaces are part of an apparatus that also includes an optical sensor such as a retroreflector or diffraction grating. The assembly is thus configured to permit multiple uses while exerting a near-zero net torque about the length of the arm that supports the transducer. This is useful where there is a temporary need for especially precise position control, such as when servowriting a data storage media surface.
Claims30
An apparatus for detecting a position of a transducer supported by an arm of an actuator, the arm having an arm axis passing therethrough substantially along a length of the arm, the apparatus comprising:
- a position sensor;
- and
- reusable engagement means for temporarily supporting the position sensor in a fixed position relative to the actuator while exerting a near-zero net torque about the arm axis.
An apparatus for detecting the position of an actuator in a data storage device comprising:
- a position sensor comprising a mounting portion configured for a tapered sliding engagement with the actuator for releasably mounting the position sensor to the actuator;
- and
- a receptor that noncontactingly engages the sensor to generate a signal indicating the position of the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.