Disk Drive Magnetic Element Support Dual Flux Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk drive magnetic element supports with a single magnetic flux path are limited in magnetic material usage and prone to flux leakage, which affects the efficiency of the voice coil motor and actuator positioning.
Innovation Solution
A disk drive design featuring a magnetic element support with two transition sections forming separate magnetic flux paths, one angularly lateral and one radially beyond the actuator coil, allowing for increased magnetic material usage and reduced flux leakage, while maintaining a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single magnetic flux path is used in the magnetic element support, then the structure is simple, but magnetic material usage is limited and flux leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element support is divided into multiple plate sections (first plate section, second plate section, third plate section) with separate transition sections, creating distinct magnetic flux paths. This segmentation allows increased magnetic material usage through multiple flux paths while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a radial dimension to the magnetic flux paths by positioning transition sections at different radial distances from the axis of rotation. The first transition section is radially inward of the coil and the second transition section is radially outward, creating flux paths that extend in the radial dimension, thereby increasing magnetic material utilization
2Reliability
If a single magnetic flux path is used, then the structure is compact, but flux leakage affects voice coil motor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the magnetic element support into multiple plate sections with separate transition sections, the patent creates multiple enclosed magnetic flux paths. This segmentation prevents flux leakage by providing dedicated return paths for magnetic flux, thereby improving voice coil motor efficiency while managing structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of flux leakage into a beneficial dual flux path system. By intentionally creating separate magnetic flux paths with proper transition sections, the design captures and utilizes magnetic flux that would otherwise be lost, improving motor efficiency while maintaining a compact structure
3Productivity
If magnetic material usage is increased to improve flux path efficiency, then the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element support is segmented into multiple plate sections with separate transition sections, creating distinct magnetic flux paths. This segmentation allows strategic placement of magnetic materials to enhance actuator positioning precision while managing structural complexity through modular, organized design
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the radial dimension with transition sections positioned at different radial distances (first transition section radially inward, second transition section radially outward), the patent increases magnetic material effectiveness without proportionally increasing structural complexity, thereby improving actuator positioning precision
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 dual flux path configuration enhances magnetic material utilization and mitigates flux leakage, improving the efficiency and precision of the voice coil motor and actuator positioning within the disk drive.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic flux path extends in a single loop through the magnetic element support plates and between the two magnetic elements
Implementation Method 2
An actuator coil is supported by the coil support and is configured to interact with one or more permanent magnetic elements, typically a pair, to form a voice coil motor
Implementation Method 3
Current passing through the coil results in a torque being applied to the rotary actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A disk drive includes a base, a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a rotary actuator coupled to the base adjacent the disk. The rotary actuator is configured to pivot about an axis of rotation, and includes a coil. The disk drive further includes a magnetic element support coupled to the base. The magnetic element support includes first and second plate sections cooperatively formed to receive the coil. The magnetic element support includes a first transition section formed between the plate sections for forming a first magnetic flux path. The first transition section disposed angularly lateral with respect to the coil and the axis of rotation. The magnetic element support includes a second transition section formed between the plate sections for forming a second magnetic flux path. The second transition section being disposed radially beyond the coil with respect to the axis of rotation.