Disk Drive Suspension Limiter for Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In disk drives, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), the gimbal portion of the suspension assembly can be excessively deformed and damaged due to large external impacts, compromising the stability and reliability of the magnetic heads.
Innovation Solution
The suspension assembly includes a support plate with a gimbal portion that is welded at two positions, a tongue portion for resilient support of the magnetic head, and limiters that extend from the tongue portion to prevent excessive displacement and deformation by contacting a ramp surface during impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the gimbal portion is made displaceable to support magnetic head movement, then the magnetic head can follow disk surface variations, but the gimbal portion becomes vulnerable to excessive deformation and damage under large external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The limiter is pre-positioned at a specific location relative to the ramp before any impact occurs. When external impact applies excessive force to the magnetic head, the limiter immediately contacts the ramp to prevent further displacement, stopping the deformation before it reaches dangerous levels. This preliminary positioning of the protective element resolves the contradiction by ensuring protection is automatically activated at the precise moment needed.
2Reliability
If the gimbal portion is made more rigid to resist impact, then durability under external forces improves, but the ability to displace and follow disk surface variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension assembly applies local quality by making different parts have different mechanical properties: the gimbal portion maintains its original flexible, displaceable structure to follow disk surface variations, while the limiter-ramp mechanism provides localized rigidity and impact resistance at specific positions. This resolves the contradiction by concentrating the rigid protective function in a localized element rather than making the entire gimbal portion rigid.
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
This configuration enhances the reliability of the suspension assembly by preventing excessive deformation and damage to the magnetic heads, ensuring stable operation and improved durability under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a tongue portion provided between the first welded portion and the second welded portion and resiliently supporting the magnetic head
Implementation Method 2
a limiter extending from the tongue portion toward the second welded portion
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a suspension assembly includes a support plate including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, a wiring member including a gimbal portion and provided on the support plate, and a magnetic head on the gimbal portion. The gimbal portion includes a first welded portion located near the proximal end portion and welded to the support plate, a second welded portion located near the distal end portion and welded to the support plate, a tongue portion between the first welded portion and the second welded portion, supported displaceably to the support plate, and on which the magnetic head is mounted, and a limiter extending from the tongue portion toward the second welded portion.