Disk Drive Suspension Microactuator Mounting Section Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual-stage-actuator (DSA) suspensions in disk drives face challenges in impact resistance and vibrational characteristics, particularly due to deformation of U-shaped arm portions during handling and limited resistance to external vibrations.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a microactuator mounting section with a plate portion and microactuator element, featuring deformable arm portions with slits and varying extending portions to enhance flexibility and reduce the risk of deformation, while maintaining high sway-direction accuracy and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If U-shaped arm portions project individually from opposite sides of the microactuator mounting section, then the microactuator can be mounted and the suspension can function, but the arm portions may be deformed by contacting surrounding members during handling and impact resistance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate U-shaped arm portions into a single integrated structure where the arm portions are formed as one continuous piece on the microactuator mounting section. This integration strengthens the overall structure, preventing deformation during handling while maintaining the microactuator mounting functionality. The merged structure distributes mechanical stresses more effectively, improving impact resistance without compromising the ability to mount and function the microactuator.
2Adaptability or versatility
If U-shaped arm portions are used for microactuator mounting, then the suspension can achieve dual-stage actuation, but the arm portions have poor vibrational characteristics and limited resistance to external vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the arm portions, combining materials with different mechanical properties to optimize both the dual-stage actuation capability and vibrational characteristics. The composite structure provides the necessary flexibility for microactuator operation while simultaneously offering enhanced resistance to external vibrations. This material composition allows the arm portions to maintain structural integrity under vibrational stresses while preserving the precision required for dual-stage actuation.
3Strength
If the arm portions are made more rigid to prevent deformation, then impact resistance improves, but the flexibility required for sway-direction movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality differentiation within the arm portions, creating regions with varying degrees of rigidity and flexibility. Specific zones of the arm portions are designed with localized structural characteristics that provide enhanced strength for impact resistance in critical areas, while other regions maintain greater flexibility to enable the necessary sway-direction movements. This non-uniform structural design allows simultaneous optimization of both impact resistance and operational flexibility.
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 improved design achieves higher impact resistance and vibrational characteristics, preventing arm portion deformation and ensuring effective sway-direction strokes, with resonant frequencies and impact resistance values significantly higher than comparative examples.
Implementation Method 1
The microactuator is formed of, for example, a piezoelectric element of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or the like. If a voltage is applied to the microactuator element, the microactuator element is deformed.
Data Source
AI summary
A microactuator mounting section is disposed between a base section and a load beam. A microactuator element formed of a piezoelectric element is contained in an element accommodation portion in a plate portion. The plate portion has a stationary part secured to the base section and a movable part secured to the load beam. The stationary part and the movable part are connected to each other by a pair of arm portions. Each arm portion comprises a first extending portion and a second extending portion. The first extending portion extends longitudinally relative to the load beam from a front end of the stationary part toward the movable part. The second extending portion extends transversely inward relative to the plate portion from the first extending portion so as to be continuous with the movable part.