Bend-Down Tab for Disk Drive Suspension Outrigger Lead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk drive suspensions face challenges in achieving low pitch and roll stiffness while maintaining high lateral stiffness, as traditional design techniques are geometry-limited and fail to effectively position the read-write head over the disk tracks to prevent track misregistration.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a 'bend-down tab' that supports the outrigger at a lower height than conventional designs, reducing pitch stiffness and increasing lateral stiffness by vertically offsetting the outrigger lead, which is connected to the gimbal spring arm and extends laterally from the slider mounting side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional flat tab design is used to support the outrigger lead, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the pitch stiffness cannot be sufficiently reduced and track misregistration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The tab structure transitions from a conventional flat two-dimensional configuration to a three-dimensional bend-down configuration. The tab extends laterally from the suspension body, bends downward at a first angle (e.g., 45-90 degrees) to a lower elevation, and then extends forward to support the outrigger lead. This dimensional change allows the outrigger lead to be positioned lower relative to the slider, reducing pitch stiffness and preventing track misregistration while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab structure is divided into multiple segments: a first portion extending laterally from the suspension body, a second portion bending downward at a first angle, and optionally a third portion extending forward. This segmentation allows each segment to perform a specific function - the lateral portion provides structural attachment, the downward-bending portion creates the vertical offset to reduce pitch stiffness, and the forward portion supports the outrigger lead. This segmented approach achieves the desired stiffness characteristics without requiring a completely new complex structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the outrigger lead is positioned at conventional height, then the suspension structure remains simple, but pitch stiffness is too high causing track misregistration
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger lead support position is changed from the conventional horizontal plane to a lower vertical position by utilizing the bend-down tab configuration. The tab bends downward at a controlled angle, positioning the outrigger lead support at a lower elevation relative to the slider mounting surface. This vertical offset reduces the lever arm that contributes to pitch stiffness, allowing the read-write head to be more accurately positioned over the disk tracks during rotation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tab extends far downward to maximize pitch stiffness reduction, then track positioning accuracy improves, but the suspension structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The tab geometry parameters are optimized to achieve the desired balance between pitch stiffness reduction and manufacturability. The downward bend angle is controlled within a specific range (e.g., 45-90 degrees), and the length of the downward-bending portion is proportioned relative to the overall tab dimensions. These parameter specifications ensure sufficient vertical offset to reduce pitch stiffness and improve track positioning accuracy, while maintaining dimensions that are practical for standard suspension fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex bend-down configuration is localized to specific portions of the tab structure rather than requiring the entire suspension assembly to be redesigned. Only the tab portion supporting the outrigger lead incorporates the downward bend, while the rest of the suspension maintains its conventional simple structure. This localized approach achieves the necessary pitch stiffness reduction without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A disk drive suspension with a bend-down tab which supports an outrigger lead. The bend-down tab extends laterally to the suspension and away from the slider, and can include tabs which are narrower than the electrical lead. The depth of the tab can be at least the depth of the outrigger lead, or deeper. The tab can be supported by and integrally formed with an elongate gimbal spring arm.