Disk Drive Actuator Arms With Offset Slits
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hard disk drives with split actuators, positioning deviations during assembly can lead to interference between wiring boards, affecting the smooth operation and reliability of the actuator assemblies.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates arms with slits that are offset from the central line of the arm, featuring inclined faces at the slit openings to facilitate easy insertion of flexures and ensure proper alignment of connection terminals, thereby reducing interference and improving assembly reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wiring boards are individually attached to actuator blocks, then the two head actuators can operate independently, but positioning deviations can cause interference between wiring boards at the boundary portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric offset design where the slit in the arm is positioned at an offset from the central line of the arm in the thickness direction. This asymmetric positioning creates a predetermined offset between connection terminals on different wiring boards, preventing their interference while maintaining independent actuator operation.
2Ease of operation
If a gap is provided on the boundary between actuator blocks, then smooth operation without mutual interference is secured, but the complexity of the actuator structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a gap in the radial direction (one dimension), the patent resolves interference by utilizing the thickness direction (another dimension) through offset positioning of connection terminals. This dimensional approach prevents interference without requiring additional radial space or complex structural modifications.
3Ease of manufacture
If connection terminals are positioned at the boundary portion, then wiring board attachment is simplified, but positioning deviations can cause interference between adjacent wiring boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates the offset positioning of connection terminals directly into the arm structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that even if positioning deviations occur during wiring board attachment, the predetermined offset already built into the structure prevents interference between adjacent wiring boards.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a disk drive includes a first actuator assembly, and a second actuator assembly. In the first actuator assembly, arms each includes a slit provided at a side face of the arm, the slit expending from an extending end of the arm to a first actuator block. The slit is provided such that a central line of the slit in its width direction is offset in position from a central line of the arm in its thickness direction in a direction further away from a boundary plane between the first and second actuator assemblies. The arm have a first inclined face and a second inclined face formed at an open end portion of the slit, the first and second inclined face each inclining in a direction in which an open width of the slit widens.