Hard Disk Drive Gimbal Design with High Yaw Mode

Abstract

A trace gimbal is described herein. In some embodiments, the trace gimbal includes an outer strut including a forward outrigger at a distal end of the trace gimbal and an aft outrigger at a proximal end of the trace gimbal. The forward outrigger includes a distal forward outrigger and a proximal forward outrigger, and the aft outrigger includes a distal aft outrigger and a proximal aft outrigger. The trace gimbal further includes a middle strut that extends across the width of the trace gimbal and adjoins the proximal forward outrigger to the aft outrigger, and an inner strut that connects the middle strut to a slider tongue. The inner strut includes a slot, and the inner strut and the middle strut adjoin the outer gimbal strut to the slider tongue.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of suspensions for hard disk drives. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to the field of gimbal struts on actuated suspensions. [Background technology]

[0002] Dynamic disk storage devices use rotating disks to store information. Disk storage devices typically include a frame that provides mounting points and orientation for other components, and a spindle motor attached to the frame to rotate the disk. A read / write head is formed on a head slider for writing data to and reading data from the disk surface. The head slider is supported and properly oriented relative to the disk by a suspension that provides both the force and resilience required for proper head slider operation. As the disk in the storage device rotates under the head slider and head suspension, the air above the disk also rotates, creating an air bearing. The air bearing works with the aerodynamic design of the head slider to create a lift force on the head slider. The lift force is opposed by the spring force of the suspension to position the head slider at a desired height and alignment above the disk, called the flying height.

[0003] A suspension for a disk drive includes a load beam and a flexure. The load beam typically includes a mounting region for mounting the suspension to an actuator of the disk drive, a rigid region, and a spring region between the mounting region and the rigid region. The spring region provides a spring force to counteract the aerodynamic lift force generated on the head slider during the drive operation described above. The flexure typically includes a gimbal region having a slider mounting surface to which the head slider is attached. The gimbal region is elastically movable relative to the rest of the flexure in response to the aerodynamic force generated by the air bearing. The gimbal region can move the head slider in pitch and roll directions to follow variations in the disk surface.

[0004] Disk drive manufacturers continue to develop smaller and higher storage capacity drives. The increased storage capacity is achieved in part by increasing the density of the information tracks on the disk (i.e., by using narrower and / or more closely spaced tracks). However, as track density increases, it becomes increasingly difficult for the motor and servo control systems to quickly and accurately position the read / write head over the desired track. In an attempt to remedy this situation, separate or secondary actuators have been provided, such as piezoelectric actuators, electrostatic actuators, electromagnetic actuators or fine tracking motors mounted on the head suspension itself. These types of actuators are also known as dual stage microactuation devices and may be located on the base plate, load beam, or flexure.

[0005] In some of these attempts to improve tracking and head slider positioning control, actuators have been placed simultaneously on both the base plate and the flexure tongue. Typically, this type of suspension uses a voice coil and actuator located in the base plate area for large movements of the read / write head, while an actuator located on the flexure tongue is used for the fine movements required to position the read / write head over the track of the disk drive. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Described herein is a trace gimbal. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the trace gimbal includes an outer strut including a forward outrigger at a distal end of the trace gimbal and an aft outrigger at a proximal end of the trace gimbal. The forward outrigger includes a distal forward outrigger and a proximal forward outrigger, and the aft outrigger includes a distal aft outrigger and a proximal aft outrigger. The trace gimbal further includes a middle strut extending across the width of the trace gimbal and adjoins the proximal forward outrigger to the aft outrigger, and an inner strut connecting the middle strut to a slider tongue. The inner strut includes a slot, and the inner strut and the middle strut adjoin the outer gimbal strut to the slider tongue.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the trace gimbal further comprises one or more micro-actuators attached to the slider tongue, the inner struts supporting the slider tongue.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proximal front outrigger includes a first cross-section and the distal front outrigger includes a second cross-section, the width of the second cross-section being approximately the same dimension as the first cross-section of the proximal front outrigger.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second cross sections of the front outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distal aft outrigger includes a first cross-section and the proximal aft outrigger includes a second cross-section that is larger than the first cross-section.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cross section of the distal rear outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner struts include a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the middle strut connects to the distal end of the inner strut and the proximal end of the inner strut connects to the slider tang.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner struts generally extend from the distal end of the middle strut toward the proximal end of the trace gimbal to connect to the slider tang.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot is in a central portion of the inner strut. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-section of the central portion including the slot is larger than the cross-sections of the proximal and distal ends of the inner strut.

[0013] A suspension with a trace gimbal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is also provided. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the trace gimbal further comprises one or more micro-actuators attached to the slider tongue, the inner struts supporting the slider tongue.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the proximal front outrigger includes a first cross-section and the distal front outrigger includes a second cross-section, the width of the second cross-section being approximately the same dimension as the first cross-section of the proximal front outrigger.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first and second cross sections of the front outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distal aft outrigger includes a first cross-section and the proximal aft outrigger includes a second cross-section that is larger than the first cross-section.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cross section of the distal rear outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner struts include a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the middle strut connects to the distal end of the inner strut and the proximal end of the inner strut connects to the slider tang.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the inner struts generally extend from the distal end of the middle strut toward the proximal end of the trace gimbal to connect to the slider tang.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the slot is in a central portion of the inner strut. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cross-section of the central portion including the slot is larger than the cross-sections of the proximal and distal ends of the inner strut.

[0019] While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0020] To illustrate how the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure may be obtained, a more detailed description of the principles described above will be given by reference to specific examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are merely illustrative of exemplary aspects of the present disclosure and should not be construed as limiting its scope. The principles will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the following drawings: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 illustrates a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a second gimbal stainless steel layer of the suspension according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a slot in an inner strut of a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; FIG. 2B is a close-up view of another exemplary slot in an inner strut of a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows a comparison of yaw frequency and roll stiffness for a gimbal with baseline inboard struts versus a gimbal with stiffer inboard struts and aft outriggers. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 illustrates a comparison of yaw frequency and roll stiffness of a gimbal with stiffer inboard struts and aft outriggers versus a gimbal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 illustrates a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 illustrates a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 illustrates a comparison of yaw frequency and roll stiffness for gimbals having wider inner struts in accordance with an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] An improved trace gimbal is described herein. The improved trace gimbal according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is part of a suspension for a magnetic disk drive unit. The disk drive unit includes a rotating magnetic disk having a pattern of magnetic ones and zeros that constitute data stored on the disk drive. The magnetic disk is driven by a drive motor. The disk drive unit according to some embodiments includes a suspension having a load beam, a base plate, and a trace gimbal, with a magnetic head slider mounted to the suspension near a distal end of the trace gimbal. The proximal end of the suspension or load beam is the end that is supported, i.e., the end closest to the base plate, which is swaged or otherwise attached to the actuator arm. The distal end of the suspension or load beam is the end opposite the proximal end, i.e., the distal end is a cantilever end.

[0023] The trace gimbal is coupled to a base plate, which is coupled to a voice coil motor. The voice coil motor is configured to move the suspension in an arc to position the head slider over the correct data track of the magnetic disk. The head slider is supported on a gimbal that allows the slider to pitch and roll to follow the appropriate data track on the rotating magnetic disk, and thus can accommodate such variations without degrading performance. The variations typically include disk vibrations, inertial events such as collisions, and irregularities in the disk surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, the trace gimbal described herein is part of a DSA (dual stage actuation) suspension. The DSA suspension may include a base plate and a load beam. The load beam includes a trace gimbal. The trace gimbal may include an attached actuator and a gimbal assembly. The actuator is operable to directly act on the gimbal assembly of the DSA suspension configured to include a read / write head slider.

[0025] In some embodiments, the trace gimbal may include one or more actuator joints configured to receive an actuator. The trace gimbal, according to some embodiments, includes two actuator joints located on opposite sides of the trace gimbal. Each actuator joint includes an actuator mounting shelf.

[0026] In some embodiments, each actuator spans a respective gap at the actuator joint. The actuators are secured to the slider tongue by adhesive. The adhesive may include conductive or non-conductive epoxy appropriately applied to each end of the actuator. Positive and negative electrical connections can be made from the actuators to the trace gimbal by a variety of techniques. An actuated actuator expands and contracts to move a read / write head attached to the distal end of the suspension, thereby changing the length of the gap between the attached ends.

[0027] In some embodiments, the suspension may be configured as a one-stage actuation suspension, a two-stage actuation device, a three-stage actuation device, or other configurations. In some embodiments, the three-stage actuation suspension includes actuators disposed on the mount plate area and the trace gimbal, respectively. Any modification of the actuators may be incorporated into the suspension of the embodiments disclosed herein. In other words, the suspension may include more or less components than those shown without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. However, the components shown are sufficient to disclose an exemplary embodiment for implementing the disclosed principles.

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a trace gimbal 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trace gimbal 100 includes one or more microactuators 450 attached to a slider tongue 130. The trace gimbal 100 includes an outer gimbal strut. The outer gimbal strut includes a forward outrigger 110 at a distal end of the trace gimbal 100. In some embodiments, the forward outrigger includes a proximal forward outrigger 114 and a distal forward outrigger 112. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 112 and the proximal forward outrigger 114 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the forward outrigger 110. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 112 and the proximal forward outrigger 114 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the outer struts also include an aft outrigger 140 at a proximal end of the trace gimbal 100. In some embodiments, the aft outrigger 140 includes a proximal aft outrigger 144 and a distal aft outrigger 142. In some embodiments, the length direction of the trace gimbal 100 is defined as the direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the trace gimbal 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 142 and the proximal aft outrigger 144 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the aft outrigger 140. In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 142 and the proximal aft outrigger 144 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separated.

[0031] In some embodiments, the trace gimbal 100 also includes a middle strut 120 that extends across the width of the trace gimbal 100 (in some embodiments, substantially perpendicular to the length of the trace gimbal 100) and connects the forward outrigger 110 to the aft outrigger 140. In other words, the forward outrigger 110 and the aft outrigger 140 are adjacent at the proximal ends of the middle strut 120.

[0032] In some embodiments, the trace gimbal 100 also includes an inner strut 150 that extends from the slider tongue 130 and connects the middle strut 120 to the slider tongue 130. The inner strut 150 (and the middle strut 120) support the slider tongue 130 on which the read / write head is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner strut 150 includes a distal end 152 and a proximal end 154. In some embodiments, the distal end of the middle strut 120 connects to the distal end 152 of the inner strut 150, and the proximal end 154 of the inner strut 150 connects to the slider tongue 130. In some embodiments, the inner strut 150 connects to the slider tongue 130 by generally extending from the distal end of the middle strut 120 towards the proximal end of the trace gimbal 100.

[0033] In some embodiments, the inner strut 150 includes a slot 156. In some embodiments, the slot 156 is in a central portion of the inner strut 150. In other words, the slot 156 is disposed between the proximal end 154 and the distal end 152 of the inner strut 150. In some embodiments, the cross section of the central portion including the slot 156 is larger than the cross sections of the proximal end 154 and the distal end 152 of the inner strut 150. In some embodiments, the width of the cross section of the central portion including the slot 156 is larger than the width of the cross sections of the proximal forward outrigger 114, the distal forward outrigger 112, and the middle strut 120. In some embodiments, the first cross section and the second cross section of the forward outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm. In some embodiments, the first cross section of the distal rear outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm.

[0034] In some embodiments, the slot 156 has an oval shape extending between the proximal end 154 and the distal end 152 of the inner strut 150. However, the slot 156 may include two or more openings and have other shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the slot 156 does not have a symmetrical shape. For example, the slot 156 may have a B-shape. In some embodiments, the slot 156 may be asymmetrically located on the inner strut 150. In some embodiments, the slot 156 may include multiple holes of different sizes and shapes and is not necessarily round in shape.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3(a), according to some embodiments, the slot 156 is partially covered by a polyimide and / or Cu layer 170. However, in some embodiments, such as the exemplary structure shown in Figure 3(b), the slot 156 may be completely covered by a polyimide and / or Cu layer 170 for resonance improvement.

[0036] Without being bound to a particular theory, the slots 156 in the inner struts 150 may provide improved performance over current suspensions known in the art by allowing the inner struts 150 to remain relatively stiff in in-plane bending while maintaining high yaw frequencies. The slots 156 also allow the torsional stiffness of the inner struts 150 to be reduced, which may also reduce gimbal roll stiffness.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the baseline gimbal exhibits a roll stiffness of 0.81 μNm / deg and a yaw frequency of 55.2 kHz. A gimbal with stiffer inner struts without slots (and stiffer aft outriggers) exhibits a higher yaw frequency of 61.7 kHz relative to the baseline gimbal, but with a higher roll stiffness of 0.86 μNm / deg. However, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the roll stiffness of the gimbal 100 described herein can be advantageously reduced relative to a gimbal with stiffer inner struts (without slots) while maintaining a yaw frequency similar to a gimbal with stiffer inner struts (without slots). In some embodiments, the roll stiffness of the gimbal 100 described herein can be reduced from 0.86 μNm / deg to 0.82 μNm / deg while maintaining a yaw frequency of 61.7 kHz relative to a gimbal with stiffer inner struts (without slots).

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary gimbal stainless steel layer of a trace gimbal 200 of a suspension, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trace gimbal 200 includes an outer gimbal strut. The outer strut includes a forward outrigger 210 at a distal end of the trace gimbal 200. In some embodiments, the forward outrigger includes a proximal forward outrigger 214 and a distal forward outrigger 212. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 212 and the proximal forward outrigger 214 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the forward outrigger 210. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 212 and the proximal forward outrigger 214 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separate.

[0039] In some embodiments, the outer struts also include an aft outrigger 240 at a proximal end of the trace gimbal 200. In some embodiments, the aft outrigger 240 includes a proximal aft outrigger 244 and a distal aft outrigger 242. In some embodiments, the length direction of the trace gimbal 200 is defined as the direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the trace gimbal 200.

[0040] In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 242 and the proximal aft outrigger 244 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the aft outrigger 240. In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 242 and the proximal aft outrigger 244 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separated. In some embodiments, the first cross-section and the second cross-section of the front outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm. In some embodiments, the first cross-section of the distal aft outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm.

[0041] In some embodiments, the trace gimbal 200 also includes a middle strut 220 that extends across the width of the trace gimbal 200 (in some embodiments, substantially perpendicular to the length of the trace gimbal 200) and connects the forward outrigger 210 to the aft outrigger 240. In other words, the forward outrigger 210 and the aft outrigger 240 are adjacent at a proximal end of the middle strut 220. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the middle strut 220 is smaller than the cross-section of the proximal aft outrigger 244.

[0042] In some embodiments, the trace gimbal 200 also includes an inner strut 250 that extends from the slider tongue 230 and connects the middle strut 220 to the slider tongue 130. The inner strut 250 (and the middle strut 220) support the slider tongue 230 on which the read / write head is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner strut 250 includes a distal end 252 and a proximal end 254. In some embodiments, the distal end of the middle strut 220 connects to the distal end 252 of the inner strut 250, and the proximal end 254 of the inner strut 250 connects to the slider tongue 230. In some embodiments, the inner strut 250 connects to the slider tongue 230 by generally extending from the distal end of the middle strut 220 towards the proximal end of the trace gimbal 200.

[0043] In some embodiments, the inner strut 250 includes a slot 256. In some embodiments, the slot 256 is in a central portion of the inner strut 250. In other words, the slot 256 is located between the proximal end 254 and the distal end 252 of the inner strut 250. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the central portion including the slot 256 is larger than the cross-sections of the proximal end 254 and the distal end 252 of the inner strut 250. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the central portion including the slot 256 is larger than the cross-sectional widths of the proximal forward outrigger 214, the distal forward outrigger 212, and the middle strut 220.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the slot 256 includes two openings. In some embodiments, the slot 256 with two openings may have a generally 8 or B shape. However, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the slot 156 has an oval shape extending between the proximal end 152 and the distal end 152 of the inner strut 150. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the slot may include one, two, or more openings, and the openings may have various shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the slot does not have a symmetrical shape. In some embodiments, the slot may be asymmetrically located on the inner strut. In some embodiments, the slot may include multiple holes of different sizes and shapes, and therefore is not necessarily round in shape.

[0045] In some embodiments, the slots 256 are partially covered by polyimide and / or Cu layers similar to those described herein and shown in Figure 3(a). However, in some embodiments, the slots 256 may be completely covered by polyimide and / or Cu layers for resonance improvement, such as the exemplary structure shown in Figure 3(b).

[0046] Without being bound to a particular theory, the slots 256 in the inner struts 250 may allow the inner struts 250 to remain relatively stiff in in-plane bending while maintaining high yaw frequencies. The slots 256 may also allow the torsional stiffness of the inner struts 250 to be reduced, which may also reduce gimbal roll stiffness.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure, using a smaller slider form factor commonly known as a uFemto. Generally, the smaller the slider mass, the higher the yaw frequency. In this embodiment, the middle strut is shortened and connected to an outrigger with a larger diameter area, and the width of the inner strut is increased to increase the yaw frequency compared to the baseline. Specifically, FIG. 6 illustrates a trace gimbal 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trace gimbal 600 includes one or more microactuators 450 attached to a slider tongue 630. The trace gimbal 600 includes an outer gimbal strut. The outer gimbal strut includes a forward outrigger 610 at a distal end of the trace gimbal 600. In some embodiments, the forward outrigger includes a proximal forward outrigger 614 and a distal forward outrigger 612. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 612 and the proximal forward outrigger 614 are defined by a bending or nonlinear characteristic of the forward outrigger 610. In some embodiments, the distal front outrigger 612 and the proximal front outrigger 614 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separate.

[0048] In some embodiments, the outer struts also include an aft outrigger 640 at a proximal end of the trace gimbal 600. In some embodiments, the aft outrigger 640 includes a proximal aft outrigger 644 and a distal aft outrigger 642. In some embodiments, the length direction of the trace gimbal 600 is defined as the direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the trace gimbal 600.

[0049] In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 642 and the proximal aft outrigger 644 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the aft outrigger 640. In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 642 and the proximal aft outrigger 644 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separated.

[0050] In this embodiment, the trace gimbal 600 has a shorter middle strut 620 and a wider inner strut 650 to connect the forward outrigger 610 to the aft outrigger 640. The connection of the middle strut to the outrigger has a larger radius, resulting in a stiffer joint.

[0051] The inner struts 650 extend from the slider tongue 630 and connect the outer struts to the slider tongue 630. The inner struts 650 support the slider tongue 630 upon which the read / write head is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner struts 650 include a distal end 652 and a proximal end 654. In some embodiments, the distal end of the inner strut 652 connects to the middle strut 620 and the proximal end of the inner strut 654 connects to the slider tongue 630. In other words, the front outrigger 610 and the rear outrigger 640 are adjacent at the proximal end of the short middle strut 620.

[0052] In some embodiments, the inner strut 650 includes one or more slots 656. In some embodiments, the slots 656 are in a central portion of the inner strut 650. In other words, the slots 656 are disposed between the proximal end 654 and the distal end 652 of the inner strut 650. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the central portion including the slots 656 is larger than the cross-sections of the proximal and distal ends 652 of the inner strut 650.

[0053] In some embodiments, the cross-sectional width of the central portion including the slot 656 is greater than the cross-sectional width of the proximal front outrigger 614 and the distal front outrigger 612. In some embodiments, the first and second cross-sections of the front outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm. In some embodiments, the first cross-section of the distal rear outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the slot 656 has an oval shape extending between the proximal end 652 and the distal end 652 of the inner strut 650. In addition, the slot 656 may include more than one opening and have other shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the slot 656 does not have a symmetrical shape. For example, the slot 656 may have a B-shape. In some embodiments, the slot 656 may be asymmetrically located on the inner strut 650. In some embodiments, the slot 656 may include multiple holes of different sizes and shapes and is not necessarily round in shape.

[0055] Similar to the previously described embodiment, the slot 656 may be partially covered by a polyimide and / or Cu layer 170 or may be completely covered by a polyimide and / or Cu layer 170 for resonance improvement, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

[0056] 7 shows a gimbal assembly of a suspension according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the middle strut is approximately parallel to the inner strut, which is widened and includes a semicircular feature in the center region but does not include a slot, as described below. This embodiment increases yaw frequency compared to a baseline that also uses a smaller uFemto slider form factor.

[0057] Specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates a trace gimbal 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trace gimbal 700 includes one or more microactuators 450 attached to a slider tongue 730. The trace gimbal 700 includes an outer gimbal strut. The outer gimbal strut includes a forward outrigger 710 at a distal end of the trace gimbal 700. In some embodiments, the forward outrigger includes a proximal forward outrigger 714 and a distal forward outrigger 712. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 712 and the proximal forward outrigger 714 are defined by a bend or non-linear feature of the forward outrigger 710. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 712 and the proximal forward outrigger 714 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the outer struts also include an aft outrigger 740 at a proximal end of the trace gimbal 700. In some embodiments, the aft outrigger 740 includes a proximal aft outrigger 744 and a distal aft outrigger 742. In some embodiments, the length direction of the trace gimbal 700 is defined as the direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the trace gimbal 700.

[0059] In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 742 and the proximal aft outrigger 744 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the aft outrigger 740. In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 742 and the proximal aft outrigger 744 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separated.

[0060] In this embodiment, the trace gimbal 700 has a middle strut 755 that is mostly parallel to the outriggers and inner struts and connects to both the outriggers and inner struts with U-shaped features on either end.

[0061] An inner strut 750 extends from the slider tongue 730 and connects an intermediate strut 755 to the slider tongue 730. The inner strut 750 supports the slider tongue 730 upon which the read / write head is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner strut 750 includes a distal end 752, a central region having a semicircular feature 757, and a proximal end 754. The semicircular feature 757 overlaps more circuit layers and gives the tongue more stiffness, thereby increasing yaw frequency.

[0062] Figure 8 shows an alternative embodiment of the trace gimbal shown in Figure 7 in which slots are provided in the inner struts. By adding one or more slots, wider struts and other features may be used to achieve higher yaw of the suspension without increasing roll stiffness.

[0063] Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates a trace gimbal 800 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The trace gimbal 800 includes one or more microactuators 450 attached to a slider tongue 830. The trace gimbal 800 includes an outer gimbal strut. The outer gimbal strut includes a forward outrigger 810 at a distal end of the trace gimbal 800. In some embodiments, the forward outrigger includes a proximal forward outrigger 814 and a distal forward outrigger 812. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 812 and the proximal forward outrigger 814 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the forward outrigger 810. In some embodiments, the distal forward outrigger 812 and the proximal forward outrigger 814 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separate.

[0064] In some embodiments, the outer struts also include an aft outrigger 840 at a proximal end of the trace gimbal 800. In some embodiments, the aft outrigger 840 includes a proximal aft outrigger 844 and a distal aft outrigger 842. In some embodiments, the length direction of the trace gimbal 800 is defined as the direction extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the trace gimbal 800.

[0065] In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 842 and the proximal aft outrigger 844 are defined by a bent or non-linear feature of the aft outrigger 840. In some embodiments, the distal aft outrigger 842 and the proximal aft outrigger 844 may be indistinguishable and adjacent in a linear feature where the two features are not physically separated.

[0066] In this embodiment, the trace gimbal 800 has a middle strut 855 that is mostly parallel to the outriggers and inner struts and connects to both the outriggers and inner struts with U-shaped features on either end.

[0067] An inner strut 850 extends from the slider tongue 830 and connects an intermediate strut 855 to the slider tongue 830. The inner strut 850 supports the slider tongue 830 upon which the read / write head is assembled. In some embodiments, the inner strut 850 includes a distal end 852, a central region having a semicircular feature 857, and a proximal end 854. The semicircular feature 857 overlaps with more circuit layers and gives the tongue more stiffness, thereby increasing the yaw frequency.

[0068] In some embodiments, the inner strut 850 includes one or more slots 856. In some embodiments, the slot 856 is in a central portion of the inner strut 850. In other words, the slot 856 is disposed between the proximal end 854 and the distal end 852 of the inner strut 850. In some embodiments, the cross section of the central portion including the slot 856 is larger than the cross sections of the proximal end 852 and the distal end 852 of the inner strut 850. In some embodiments, the width of the cross section of the central portion including the slot 856 is larger than the width of the cross sections of the proximal forward outrigger 814 and the distal forward outrigger 812. In some embodiments, the first cross section and the second cross section of the forward outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm. In some embodiments, the first cross section of the distal aft outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm. In some embodiments, the slot 856 has an elliptical shape extending between the proximal end 852 and the distal end 852 of the inner strut 850. In addition, the slot 856 may include two or more openings and have other shapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the slot 856 does not have a symmetrical shape. For example, the slot 856 may have a B-shape. In some embodiments, the slot 856 may be asymmetrically located on the inner strut 850. In some embodiments, the slot 856 may include multiple holes of different sizes and shapes and is not necessarily round in shape.

[0069] Similar to the previously described embodiment, the slot 856 may be partially covered by a polyimide and / or Cu layer 170 or may be completely covered by a polyimide and / or Cu layer 170 for resonance improvement, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

[0070] FIG. 9 shows a comparison of yaw frequency and roll stiffness for gimbals with wider inner struts according to additional embodiments of the present disclosure. All comparisons in FIG. 9 use the small uFemto slider form factor. As shown in this example, the baseline gimbal exhibits a roll stiffness of 0.66 μNm / deg and a yaw frequency of 62.4 kHz. Comparing to the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 described herein, shortening the middle strut and widening the inner struts increases the yaw frequency compared to the baseline. Comparing to the embodiments shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 described herein, adding overlapping semicircular features over more area of ​​the circuit increases the yaw frequency compared to the baseline. Furthermore, the roll stiffness does not increase significantly, resulting in an improved design. In some embodiments, the roll stiffness of the gimbals 600, 700, 800 described herein is maintained at 0.71 μNm / deg to 0.72 μNm / deg, while the yaw frequency increases to 67.8 to 76.8 kHz relative to the baseline gimbal.

[0071] Although multiple embodiments have been disclosed, further embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description set forth herein, which shows and describes exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description should be considered as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. Features and modifications of the various embodiments have been discussed herein and shown in the drawings. Although multiple embodiments have been disclosed, further embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description should be considered as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A trace gimbal an outer strut including a forward outrigger at a distal end of the tracing gimbal and an aft outrigger at a proximal end of the tracing gimbal, the forward outrigger including a distal forward outrigger and a proximal forward outrigger, and the aft outrigger including a distal aft outrigger and a proximal aft outrigger; an intermediate strut extending across the width of the trace gimbal and adjacent the proximal forward outrigger to the aft outrigger; an inner strut connecting the intermediate strut to a slider tongue, the inner strut including a slot; The inner strut and the middle strut adjoin the outer gimbal strut to the slider tongue.

2. The trace gimbal of claim 1 , comprising one or more microactuators attached to the slider tongue, the inner struts supporting the slider tongue.

3. 2. The tracing gimbal of claim 1, wherein the proximal forward outrigger includes a first cross-section and the distal forward outrigger includes a second cross-section, the width of the second cross-section being approximately the same dimension as the first cross-section of the proximal forward outrigger.

4. The tracing gimbal of claim 3 , wherein the first and second cross sections of the front outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm.

5. The tracing gimbal of claim 1 , wherein the distal aft outrigger includes a first cross-section and the proximal aft outrigger includes a second cross-section that is larger than the first cross-section.

6. The tracing gimbal of claim 5 , wherein the first cross-section of the distal aft outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm.

7. The trace gimbal of claim 1 , wherein the inner struts include a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end of the middle strut connects to the distal end of the inner strut and the proximal end of the inner strut connects to the slider tang.

8. The trace gimbal of claim 7 , wherein the inner struts connect to the slider tangs by extending generally from the distal end of the middle strut toward a proximal end of the trace gimbal.

9. The tracing gimbal of claim 1 , wherein the slot is in a central portion of the inner strut.

10. The tracing gimbal of claim 9 , wherein a cross-section of the central portion including the slot is larger than a cross-section of the proximal end and a cross-section of the distal end of the inner strut.

11. A suspension comprising the trace gimbal of claim 1.

12. The tracing gimbal of claim 1 , wherein the inner strut has a semicircular feature at a central portion of the inner strut.

13. A suspension with a trace gimbal, comprising: The trace gimbal an outer strut including a forward outrigger at a distal end of the tracing gimbal and an aft outrigger at a proximal end of the tracing gimbal, the forward outrigger including a distal forward outrigger and a proximal forward outrigger, and the aft outrigger including a distal aft outrigger and a proximal aft outrigger; an intermediate strut extending along the length of the trace gimbal and adjacent the proximal forward outrigger to the aft outrigger; an inner strut connecting the middle strut to a slider tongue, the inner strut having a semicircular feature at a central portion thereof.

14. The suspension of claim 13 further comprising one or more micro-actuators attached to the slider tongue, the inner strut supporting the slider tongue.

15. 14. The suspension of claim 13, wherein the proximal front outrigger includes a first cross-section and the distal front outrigger includes a second cross-section, and wherein a width of the second cross-sectional width is approximately the same dimension as the first cross-section of the proximal front outrigger.

16. The suspension of claim 13 , wherein the distal aft outrigger includes a first cross-section and the proximal aft outrigger includes a second cross-section that is larger than the first cross-section.

17. The suspension of claim 13 further comprising one or more slots in a central portion of the inner strut.

18. 20. The suspension of claim 17, wherein the one or more slots are partially or completely covered by a polyimide and / or copper layer.

19. A trace gimbal, an outer strut including a forward outrigger at a distal end of the tracing gimbal and an aft outrigger at a proximal end of the tracing gimbal, the forward outrigger including a distal forward outrigger and a proximal forward outrigger, and the aft outrigger including a distal aft outrigger and a proximal aft outrigger; an intermediate strut extending along the length of the trace gimbal and adjacent the proximal forward outrigger to the aft outrigger; an inner strut connecting the middle strut to the slider tongue, the inner strut having a semicircular feature at a central portion thereof.

20. 20. The trace gimbal of claim 19, comprising one or more micro-actuators attached to the slider tongue, the inner struts supporting the slider tongue.

21. The tracing gimbal of claim 19 , wherein the inner strut includes one or more slots in a central portion of the inner strut.

22. The tracing gimbal of claim 21 , wherein the one or more slots are partially or completely covered by a polyimide and / or copper layer.

23. 20. The tracing gimbal of claim 19, wherein the proximal forward outrigger includes a first cross-section and the distal forward outrigger includes a second cross-section, the width of the second cross-section being approximately the same dimension as the first cross-section of the proximal forward outrigger.

24. 20. The tracing gimbal of claim 19, wherein the distal aft outrigger includes a first cross-section and the proximal aft outrigger includes a second cross-section that is larger than the first cross-section.

25. The tracing gimbal of claim 21 , wherein a cross-section of the central portion including the slot is larger than a cross-section of the proximal end and a cross-section of the distal end of the inner strut.

26. The tracing gimbal of claim 23, wherein the first and second cross sections of the front outrigger are between 0.05 mm and 0.10 mm.

27. The tracing gimbal of claim 24, wherein the first cross-section of the distal aft outrigger is between 0.10 mm and 0.20 mm.

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