Patent ID: 6415189
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: G01M,G05B,G11B

Abstract:
A method within a data storage system for predicting failure of a disk drive having a fluid bearing during runtime operation of said disk drive, wherein said fluid bearing has a baseline dynamic fluid response, said method comprising:measuring and recording a baseline half-frequency whirl frequency of said fluid bearing; measuring a runtime vibration of said fluid bearing during operation of said disk drive; translating said runtime vibration into a runtime dynamic fluid response of said fluid bearing, wherein said translating includes determining a runtime half-frequency whirl frequency from said measured runtime vibration; comparing said runtime half-frequency whirl frequency with said baseline half-frequency whirl frequency; and commencing a protective response to a predetermined departure of said runtime half-frequency whirl frequency from said baseline half-frequency whirl frequency, such that data loss within said data storage system due to fluid bearing failure is prevented.