This disclosure relates to bulk feeding storage devices to storage device testing systems and transfer stations for storage device testing systems.
Disk drive manufacturers typically test manufactured disk drives for compliance with a collection of requirements. Test equipment and techniques exist for testing large numbers of disk drives serially or in parallel. Manufacturers tend to test large numbers of disk drives simultaneously in batches. Disk drive testing systems typically include one or more racks having multiple test slots that receive disk drives for testing.
The testing environment immediately around the disk drive is closely regulated. Minimum temperature fluctuations in the testing environment are critical for accurate test conditions and for safety of the disk drives. The latest generations of disk drives, which have higher capacities, faster rotational speeds and smaller head clearance, are more sensitive to vibration. Excess vibration can affect the reliability of test results and the integrity of electrical connections. Under test conditions, the drives themselves can propagate vibrations through supporting structures or fixtures to adjacent units. This vibration “cross-talking,” together with external sources of vibration, contributes to bump errors, head slap and non-repetitive run-out (NRRO), which may result in lower test yields and increased manufacturing costs.
Current disk drive testing systems use an operator, a robotic arm, or a conveyer belt to individually feed disk drives to a transfer location for loading into the testing system for testing. A robotic arm of the testing system individually retrieves the disk drives from the transfer location and loads them in test slots for testing.
In one aspect, a method of supplying storage devices to a storage device testing system includes placing a storage device tote, carrying multiple storage devices, in a presentation position accessible to an automated transporter (e.g. robotic arm, gantry system, or multi-axis linear actuator) of the storage device testing system. The method includes actuating the robotic arm to retrieve one of the storage devices from the storage device tote, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the retrieved storage device to a test slot of the storage device testing system and insert the storage device in the test slot.
Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the method includes actuating the automated transporter to retrieve a storage device transporter, actuating the automated transporter to retrieve one of the storage devices from the storage device tote by using the storage device transporter to carry the storage device, and actuating the automated transporter to deliver the storage device transporter carrying storage device to the test slot. The automated transporter can retrieve the storage device from the storage device tote with the storage device transporter by positioning the storage device transporter below the storage device, lifting the storage device off a storage device support of the storage device tote, and carrying the storage device in the storage device transporter away from the storage device tote. When the storage device transporter, carrying the storage device, is inserted into the test slot, the storage device engages with a connector of the storage device testing system, and the storage device transporter provides closure of the test slot.
In some implementations, placing the storage device tote in the presentation position includes placing the storage device tote in a loading position on a transfer station, and actuating the transfer station to move the storage device tote from the loading position to the presentation position for servicing by the automated transporter. The transfer station includes a transfer station housing and multiple tote presentation support systems disposed on the transfer station housing. Each tote presentation support system is configured to receive and support a storage device tote in the presentation position for servicing by the storage device testing system (e.g. by the robotic arm). A tote mover, disposed on the transfer station housing, moves a loaded storage device tote between the loading position and the presentation position at one of the tote presentation support systems. In some examples, the method includes reading a tote marking on the storage device tote and actuating the transfer station (e.g. actuating the tote mover) to move the storage device tote from the loading position to the presentation position based on the tote marking. The tote marking can be a barcode, a color marking, or any suitable general or unique identifier. The method may include assigning the storage device tote a function property (e.g. “good output” storage device tote, “bad output” storage device tote, or “input” storage device tote) that affects the usage of the storage device tote in the storage device testing system. The function property is dynamically re-assignable during usage of the storage device tote in the storage device testing system.
In some implementations, the storage device tote placed in the presentation position is held in the presentation position by a transfer station configured to hold multiple storage device totes in the presentation position for servicing by the automated transporter. The storage device tote is supported in the presentation position by a tote presentation support system. In some examples, the tote presentation support system includes first and second opposing pairs of tote support arms configured to be received by respective arm grooves defined by a tote body of the storage device tote.
In another aspect, a method of supplying storage devices to a storage device testing system includes loading multiple storage devices into a storage device tote, placing the storage device tote in a loading position on a transfer station, and actuating a tote mover of the transfer station to move the storage device tote from the loading position to a presentation position for servicing by the storage device testing system.
Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the storage device tote is supported in the presentation position by one of multiple tote presentation support systems disposed on a transfer station housing of the transfer station. The tote presentation support systems can be arranged vertically with respect to each other. In some examples, the tote presentation support system includes first and second opposing pairs of tote support arms configured to be received by respective arm grooves defined by a tote body of the storage device tote. The arm grooves can be releasably locked into a predetermined position on the tote support arms, thereby holding the respective storage device tote in its presentation position.
In some implementations, the method includes loading multiple storage device totes, each housing storage devices, onto the transfer station by sequentially placing each storage device tote in the loading position on the transfer station and actuating the tote mover to move each storage device tote to the presentation position at one of the multiple tote presentation support systems for servicing by the storage device testing system. In some examples, the method includes reading a tote marking on the storage device tote and actuating the transfer station (e.g. actuating the tote mover) to move the storage device tote from the loading position to the presentation position at one of the tote presentation support systems based on the tote marking. The tote marking can be a barcode, a color marking, or any suitable general or unique identifier. The method may include assigning the storage device tote a function property that affects the usage of the storage device tote in the storage device testing system. The function property is dynamically re-assignable during usage of the storage device tote in the storage device testing system.
In some examples, the transfer station includes a door pivotally attached to its transfer station housing. The door is operable to receive and support a storage device tote and provides closure of a tote supply opening defined by the transfer station housing. The method may include opening the door to an open position, placing the storage device tote in a preloading position on the door, and closing the door by rotating the door to a closed position, thereby placing the storage device tote in the loading position.
In some implementations, the tote mover includes a multi-axis actuator assembly configured to move the storage device tote between the loading position and the presentation position. The multi-axis actuator assembly may include a vertical actuator, a horizontal actuator, and a pitch actuator. Preferably, the multi-axis actuator assembly includes first, second, and third linear actuators. The first linear actuator is disposed on a side wall of the transfer station housing. A lift carriage is coupled to the first linear actuator. The second linear actuator is disposed on the lift carriage and is pivotally coupled to a tote loading support, which is configured to support at least one storage device tote. The tote loading support is operable to rotate between the loading and presentation positions. The third linear actuator is pivotally coupled to both the second linear actuator and the tote loading support. The third linear actuator is operable to rotate the tote loading support. The storage device tote includes a tote body that defines multiple storage device receptacles configured to each house a storage device.
In yet another aspect, a transfer station for a storage device testing system includes a transfer station housing and multiple tote presentation support systems disposed on the transfer station housing. Each tote presentation support system is configured to receive and support a storage device tote in a presentation position for servicing by the storage device testing system. A tote mover is disposed on the transfer station housing and is configured to move a storage device tote between a loading position and the presentation position at one of the tote presentation support systems. The tote mover, in some examples, includes a multi-axis actuator assembly having a vertical actuator, a horizontal actuator, and a pitch actuator.
Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the transfer station includes a door pivotally attached to the transfer station housing and configured to provide closure of a tote supply opening defined by the transfer station housing. The door pivots between an open position, for receiving and supporting a storage device tote, and a closed position, for placing the storage device tote in the loading position. In some examples, the tote presentation support system includes first and second opposing pairs of tote support arms configured to be received by respective arm grooves defined by a tote body of a storage device tote.
In another aspect, a transfer station for a storage device testing system includes a transfer station housing and multiple tote presentation support systems disposed on the transfer station housing. Each tote presentation support system is configured to receive and support a storage device tote in a presentation position for servicing by the storage device testing system. The transfer station includes a tote mover disposed on the transfer station housing and a tote loading support pivotally coupled to the tote mover. The tote loading support pivots and moves between first and second positions, and is configured to receive and support a storage device tote. The tote mover is configured to move the tote loading support between the first position, for supporting a storage device tote in a loading position, and the second position, for supporting a storage device tote in the presentation position at one of the tote presentation support systems.
Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following features. In some implementations, the tote mover includes a multi-axis actuator assembly, which preferably includes a vertical actuator, a horizontal actuator, and a pitch actuator. In some examples, the multi-axis actuator assembly includes first, second, and third linear actuators. The first linear actuator is disposed on a side wall of the transfer station housing. A lift carriage is coupled to the first linear actuator. The second linear actuator is disposed on the lift carriage and pivotally coupled to the tote loading support, which pivots between the first and second positions. The third linear actuator is pivotally coupled to both the second linear actuator and the tote loading support. The third linear actuator is operable to rotate the tote loading support. In some examples, the first position of the tote loading support is substantially horizontal and the second position of the tote loading support is substantially vertical.
The transfer station may include a staging platform disposed on the transfer station housing and configured to receive a storage device tote transferred from the tote loading support. The staging platform is disposed on an opposite side of the transfer station housing of at least one of the tote presentation support systems. The transfer station may include a door pivotally attached to the transfer station housing and configured to provide a closure over the staging platform while in a closed position.
In some examples, the transfer station includes a door pivotally attached to the transfer station housing and configured to provide closure of a tote supply opening defined by the transfer station housing. The door is operable to pivot between an open position, for receiving and supporting a storage device tote, and a closed position, for placing the storage device tote in the loading position.
The tote presentation support systems can be disposed on the same side of the transfer station housing and arranged vertically with respect to each other. Each tote presentation support systems has a different elevation with respect to the others. The tote presentation support system, in some examples, includes first and second opposing pairs of tote support arms configured to be received by respective arm grooves defined by a tote body of a storage device tote. The storage device tote includes a tote body which defines multiple storage device receptacles configured to each house a storage device.
In another aspect, a storage device testing system includes an automated transporter and multiple racks arranged around the automated transporter for access by the automated transporter. Each rack houses multiple test slots, which are each configured to receive a storage device for testing. The storage device testing system includes a transfer station arranged for access by the automated transporter. The transfer station includes a transfer station housing and multiple tote presentation support systems disposed on the transfer station housing. Each tote presentation support system is configured to receive and support a storage device tote in a presentation position for servicing by the storage device testing system. A tote mover is disposed on the transfer station housing and is configured to move a storage device tote between a loading position and the presentation position at one of the tote presentation support systems. The tote mover, in some examples, includes a multi-axis actuator assembly having a vertical actuator, a horizontal actuator, and a pitch actuator. The tote presentation support system, in some examples, includes first and second opposing pairs of tote support arms configured to be received by respective arm grooves defined by a tote body of a storage device tote. In some examples, the tote mover includes first, second, and third linear actuators. The first linear actuator is disposed on a side wall of the transfer station housing. A lift carriage is coupled to the first linear actuator. The second linear actuator is disposed on the lift carriage and pivotally coupled to the tote loading support, which pivots between the first and second positions. The third linear actuator is pivotally coupled to both the second linear actuator and the tote loading support. The third linear actuator is operable to rotate the tote loading support. In some examples, the transfer station includes a marking reader configured to read a tote marking on a received storage device tote, the tote mover being configured to move the received storage device tote between the loading position and the presentation position at one of the tote presentation support systems based on the marking read by the marking reader.
The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
Bulk feeding of storage devices in a storage device testing system is advantageous over manual individual feeding of storage devices by providing increased through-put and efficiency of the storage device testing system, inter alia. As will be discussed in detail, presenting multiple storage device totes (also referred to as totes), which hold multiple storage devices, to a storage device testing system allows continual storage device testing, disk sorting amongst multiple storage device totes, minimal user intervention, and increased efficiency over current systems, inter alia. Bulk feeding of storage devices in storage device totes provides the advantage of shop floor flexibility (e.g. by providing the ability to easily redirect a storage device tote or a cart or trolley carrying storage device totes versus rerouting fixed conveyors). An operator can present a batch of drives (e.g. via the storage device tote) to the storage device testing system and then walk away to service another system. Bulk feeding of storage devices in storage device totes also allows automatic sorting of tested drives with the storage device totes, as will be discussed below.
A storage device, as used herein, includes disk drives, solid state drives, memory devices, and any device that requires asynchronous testing for validation. A disk drive is generally a non-volatile storage device which stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating platters with magnetic surfaces. A solid-state drive (SSD) is a data storage device that uses solid-state memory to store persistent data. An SSD using SRAM or DRAM (instead of flash memory) is often called a RAM-drive. The term solid-state generally distinguishes solid-state electronics from electromechanical devices.
Referring to
The automated transporter 200 is configured to independently service each test slot 310 to provide a continuous flow of storage devices 500 through the testing system 100. A continuous flow of individual storage devices 500 through the testing system 100 allows random start and stop times for each storage device 500, whereas other systems that require batches of storage devices 500 to be run all at once as an entire testing loaded must all have the same start and end times. Therefore, with continuous flow, storage devices 500 of different capacities can be run at the same time and serviced (loaded/unloaded) as needed.
Referring to
Dynamic redefinition of the tote marking property provides a significant advantage of this system over manual systems (where the storage device totes are hung or placed in a particular location) or a carousel system (where each tier of a carousel typically contains one type of tote). Since the transfer station 400 provides a single input/output station for the storage device testing system 100, the location where the storage device totes 600 are loaded or unloaded becomes decoupled from the function of the storage device totes 600. Input storage device totes 600, good output storage device totes 600, and bad output storage device totes 600, are all loaded and unladed from the same place. In the cases where the storage device totes 600 do not have tote marking 660 with assigned tote marking properties (e.g. functions), the function 600 of the tote can change while the tote 600 is in the transfer station 400 or presented to the storage device testing system 100. For example, if all of the “good output” storage device totes 600 are filled by the automated transporter 200, but there are several empty “bad output” storage device totes 600 waiting idle, one or more of these storage device totes 600 can be reassigned (via the marking property association) to be a “good output” storage device totes 600. In another example, “input” storage device totes 600 can become one or the other type of “output” storage device totes 600 once they are emptied, thus saving the effort of removing them from the system and re-inserting a different type of storage device tote 600. This provides advantages for storage device testing system 100 with its single load/unload transfer station 400, because an operator has no assumptions about the functions of a storage device tote 600 based on its presentation position. When the transfer station 400 is requested to yield a “bad output” storage device tote 600, it will produce a “bad output” storage device tote 600, whether it started that way or not.
In implementations that employ storage device transporters 550 for manipulating storage devices 500, as shown in
The test slot 310, shown in
With the storage device 500 in place within the frame 560 of the storage device transporter 550, the storage device transporter 550 and the storage device 500 together can be moved by the automated transporter 200 for placement within one of the test slots 310, as shown in
In the example illustrated in
In the example shown, each storage device receptacle 620 includes a storage device support 622 configured to support a central portion 502 (see
Referring to
In some implementations, the tote presentation support systems 420 are each disposed on the same side of the transfer station housing 410 and arranged vertically with respect to each other. Each tote presentation support systems 420 has a different elevation with respect to the others. In some examples, as shown in
Referring again to
In some examples, as shown in
In some implementations, the first position of the tote loading support 440 is substantially horizontal and the second position of the tote loading support 440 is substantially vertical. In other implementations, the first position of the tote loading support 440 is at an angle with a horizontal plane (e.g. to accommodate a particular ergonomic placement of the storage device tote 600).
In some implementations, the transfer station 400 includes a staging platform 460, as shown in
Referring to
In some examples, the transfer station 400 includes a station indicator 418 which provides visual, audible, or other recognizable indications of one or more states of the transfer station 400. In one example, the station indicator 418 includes lights (e.g. LEDs) that indicate when one or more totes 600 need servicing (e.g. to load/unload storage device totes 600 to/from the transfer station 400). In another example, the station indicator 418 includes one or more audio devices to provide one or more audible signals (e.g. chirps, clacks, etc.) to signal an operator to service the transfer station 400.
A method of performing storage device testing includes presenting multiple storage devices 500 to a storage device testing system 100 for testing and actuating an automated transporter 200 (e.g. robotic arm) to retrieve one of the storage devices 500 from the storage device tote 600 and deliver the retrieved storage device 500 to a test slot 310 of a rack 300 of the storage device testing system 100. The method includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to insert the storage device 500 in the test slot 310, and performing a functionality test on the storage device 500 received by the test slot 310. The method may also include actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve the tested storage device 500 from the test slot 310 and deliver the tested storage device 500 back to a destination location.
In retrieving one of the presented storage devices 500 for testing, the method preferably includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve a storage device transporter 550 (e.g. from a test slot 310 housed in a rack 300), and actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve one of the storage devices 500 from the transfer station 400 and carry the storage device 500 in the storage device transporter 550. The method includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to deliver the storage device transporter 550 carrying the storage device 500 to the test slot 310 for performing a functionality test on the storage device 500 housed by the received storage device transporter 550 and the test slot 310. In some examples, delivering the storage device transporter 550 to the test slot 310 includes inserting the storage device transporter 550 carrying the storage device 500 into the test slot 310 in the rack 300, establishing an electric connection between the storage device 500 and the rack 300. After testing is completed on the storage device 500, the method includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve the storage device transporter 550 carrying the tested storage device 500 from the test slot 310 and deliver the tested storage device 500 back to a destination location, such as a destination storage device tote 600 on the transfer station 400. In some implementations, the rack 300 and two or more associated test slots 310 are configured to move storage devices 500 internally from one test slot 310 to another test slot 310, in case the test slots 310 are provisioned for different kinds of tests.
In some examples, the method includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to deposit the storage device transporter 550 in the test slot 310 after depositing the tested storage device 500 at a destination location (e.g. in a storage device receptacle 620 of a destination storage device tote 600), or repeating the method by retrieving another storage device 500 for testing (e.g. from the storage device receptacle 620 of a source storage device tote 600).
A method of supplying or presenting storage devices 500 to the storage device testing system 100 includes loading multiple storage devices 500 into a storage device tote 600, placing the storage device tote 600 in the loading position on a transfer station 400, and actuating the tote mover 430 of the transfer station 400 to move the storage device tote 600 from the loading position to the presentation position for servicing by the storage device testing system 100. The storage device tote 600 is supported in the presentation position by one of multiple tote presentation support systems 420 disposed on the transfer station housing 410 and arranged vertically with respect to each other. Multiple storage device totes 600, each housing storage devices 500, can be sequentially placed in the loading position on the transfer station 400 and moved by the tote mover 430 to its respective presentation position at one of the multiple tote presentation support systems 420 for servicing by the storage device testing system 100.
In some examples, the method includes opening a door 470 pivotally attached to the transfer station housing 410 to an open position. The door 470 is configured to provide closure of a tote supply opening 471 defined by the transfer station housing 410 and is operable to receive and support the storage device tote 600. The method includes placing the storage device tote 600 in a preloading position on the door 470 and closing the door 470, by rotating the door 470 to a closed position, thereby placing the storage device tote 600 in the loading position.
A method of performing storage device testing includes placing a storage device tote 600 carrying multiple storage devices 500 in a loading position on a transfer station 400, actuating the transfer station 400 to move the storage device tote 600 from the loading position to a presentation position for servicing by an automated transporter 200. The method includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve one of the storage devices 500 from the storage device tote 600 and delivering the storage device 500 to a test slot 310. The method includes actuating the automated transporter 200 to insert the storage device 500 in the test slot 310, and performing a functionality test on the storage device 500 received by the test slot 310. The method may also include actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve the tested storage device 500 from the test slot 310 and deliver the tested storage device 500 back to the transfer station 400. In some examples, the method includes loading multiple storage device totes 600 carrying storage devices 500 onto the transfer station 400 by sequentially placing each storage device tote 600 in the loading position on the transfer station 400 and actuating the transfer station 400 to move each storage device tote 600 to a respective presentation position for servicing by the automated transporter 200. The method may include actuating the automated transporter 200 to retrieve a storage device transporter 550 (e.g. from the test slot 310), and retrieve and carry the storage device 500 in the storage device transporter 550 to deliver the storage device 500 to the test slot 310.
A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
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PCT/US09/40796 | 4/16/2009 | WO | 00 | 2/2/2011 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 12104869 | Apr 2008 | US |
Child | 12988279 | US |