Actuator Joint Non-Straight Edge for HDD Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hard disk drives, increasing track density makes it difficult to accurately position the read/write head, and piezoelectric actuator configurations are limited by shock robustness due to the fracture limits of the piezoelectric material, which also reduces stroke capability.
Innovation Solution
The suspension design includes a base plate with non-straight edges and mounting shelves to accommodate actuators, using a gap filled with adhesive to enhance stiffness and prevent adhesive overflow, and a gimbal assembly with a non-straight metal base layer edge to prevent electrical shorts, allowing for increased shock robustness without reducing stroke capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric actuator configurations are used to improve positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but shock robustness deteriorates due to fracture limits of the piezoelectric material
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate edge is designed with a non-straight configuration featuring a concave portion that creates a gap between the actuator and the base plate. This curved/geometric modification allows the actuator to be positioned away from the rigid base plate edge, reducing stress concentration and improving shock robustness while maintaining positioning accuracy through the adhesive bond.
2Reliability
If piezoelectric element is made thicker or wider to increase shock robustness, then reliability is improved, but stroke capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-straight base plate edge with concave portion creates a gap that allows the piezoelectric actuator to have adequate bond area for shock robustness while maintaining its original thickness and stroke capability. The geometric configuration optimizes both reliability and motion range without requiring dimensional compromises.
3Strength
If gap between actuator and base plate edge is reduced to enhance stiffness, then rigidity is improved, but adhesive overflow risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concave portion in the base plate edge creates a controlled gap geometry that manages adhesive flow during bonding. The curved configuration provides adequate clearance to prevent adhesive overflow while maintaining sufficient stiffness through optimized adhesive bonding area and distribution.
4Manufacturing precision
If non-straight base plate edge is used to create gap and prevent adhesive overflow, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-straight base plate edge with concave portion is integrated directly into the base plate manufacturing process, adding minimal geometric complexity while significantly improving adhesive placement tolerance and preventing overflow. The single-piece design avoids additional components.
5Reliability
If non-straight metal base layer edge is used to prevent electrical shorts, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-straight metal base layer edge with concave portion is formed as part of the base plate structure, providing electrical isolation through geometric configuration rather than additional insulating layers. This maintains reliability while minimizing manufacturing complexity by using the existing structural geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enhances the stiffness and shock robustness of the suspension while maintaining stroke capability, reducing the likelihood of adhesive overflow and electrical shorts, thereby improving the positioning accuracy and reliability of the read/write head.
Implementation Method 1
using a gap filled with adhesive to enhance stiffness and prevent adhesive overflow
Implementation Method 2
a non-straight stainless-steel edge enabling a gap to reduce the chance of electrical shorting
Implementation Method 3
piezoelectric actuator configurations are limited by shock robustness due to the fracture limits of the piezoelectric material
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension is described. The suspension includes a base plate and a load beam coupled to the base plate. The base plate includes a distal elongated element and a proximal elongated element. The distal elongated element includes at least one non-straight baseplate edge and the proximal elongated element includes at least one non-straight baseplate edge. The load beam includes a first mounting shelf and a second mounting shelf. The load beam is coupled to the base plate such that the first mounting shelf is exposed adjacent to the distal elongated element, and the second mounting shelf is exposed adjacent to the proximal elongated element. The first and second mounting shelves are configured to receive an actuator, such that an edge of the actuator and the at least one non-straight baseplate edge forms a gap.