Disk Drive Head Suspension Damped High Strain Region Beam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk drive head suspensions experience undesirable resonance vibrations, and there is a need for improved designs that can efficiently and economically reduce these vibrations while maintaining mechanical performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a load beam with a strain-inducing feature and a damping element positioned at the proximal end, which spans across the strain-inducing feature to attenuate torsion and sway resonance modes, utilizing a viscoelastic damper to maximize damping capability and reduce vibration impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If damping structures are incorporated into the head suspension design, then resonance vibration is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load beam is segmented into multiple regions with different functional characteristics: a proximal end portion with high strain concentration for damping, and a distal end portion with lower strain for load-bearing. This segmentation allows the damping element to be strategically placed only where it is most effective, rather than throughout the entire beam structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is applied locally at the proximal end portion of the load beam where strain concentration is highest. This localized application maximizes damping effectiveness at the critical high-strain region while avoiding unnecessary damping material elsewhere, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping element is added to the load beam, then torsion and sway resonance modes are attenuated, but the structural integrity and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is pre-applied to the load beam at the high-strain region before the suspension assembly is put into service. This beforehand cushioning provides immediate protection against torsion and sway resonance modes, preventing vibrational damage before it can occur during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain-inducing feature, which creates high stress concentration in the load beam, is converted into a benefit by placing the damping element at this exact location. The high strain region becomes the optimal position for damping action, transforming a potential weakness into a strategically advantageous location for vibration control.
3Reliability
If the damping element spans across the strain-inducing feature, then damping efficiency is maximized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strain-inducing feature is first formed into the load beam structure, creating a distinct geometric landmark. The damping element is then applied in relation to this pre-formed feature, using it as a reference for proper positioning. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent damping element application and ensures consistent placement across multiple assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The strain-inducing feature serves a dual function: it concentrates strain to enhance damping effectiveness while simultaneously acting as a self-aligning reference feature that guides the positioning of the damping element. This self-service capability reduces the need for external alignment fixtures or complex positioning mechanisms.
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 solution effectively reduces the gain of torsion and sway resonance modes, improving mechanical performance while maintaining minimal impact on sway frequency, thus enhancing the overall damping efficiency of the disk drive head suspension.
Implementation Method 1
A damping element is on the load beam at the proximal end portion that spans across the strain-inducing feature and is adjacent to the proximal edge of the load beam
Implementation Method 2
Resonance vibration of the disk drive components, including the magnetic read/write head slider, is undesirable. Damping structures have been incorporated into the head suspension design to reduce resonance vibration
Data Source
AI summary
A disk drive head suspension includes a load beam designed for damping of torsion and sway resonance modes. The load beam includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and the proximal end portion includes a proximal edge. The load beam also includes a strain-inducing feature that is formed into an upper planar surface of the load beam and extends from the proximal edge of the load beam. A flexure is attached to and supported by the load beam for carrying a magnetic head slider. A hinge attached to the load beam and to the base mounting structure, the latter of which is for coupling the head suspension to a disk drive actuation system. A damping element is on the load beam at the proximal end portion that spans across the strain-inducing feature and is adjacent to the proximal edge of the load beam.