Disk Drive Head Suspension Offset Structure for TMR Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disk drive head suspensions face challenges in accurately compensating for radial head motion caused by disk vibrations, leading to track mis-registration (TMR), and existing solutions often require additional components or complex processing steps, which are inefficient and not effective in high-volume applications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer laminate load beam with a spring region incorporating a TMR-compensating offset structure, either as a separate hinge component or integrally formed with the load beam, using non-coplanar spring legs or offset islands to compensate for radial motion, allowing for precise alignment without additional components or complex processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional components (e.g., shims) are added to the suspension to compensate for TMR, then TMR compensation capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the TMR compensation function directly into the load beam structure by creating an asymmetric geometry where the center of mass is offset from the pivot axis. This merging of the compensation function into the existing load beam eliminates the need for separate shim components while maintaining effective TMR compensation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The load beam is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the slider, enables pivoting motion during track following, and compensates for TMR through its asymmetric mass distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components.
2Reliability
If extra components are added to the suspension for TMR compensation, then TMR compensation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the compensation function into the load beam itself through asymmetric geometry, the patent eliminates the need for separately positioning and attaching shim components. This integration removes the manufacturing precision challenges associated with locating and clamping multiple small parts together.
3Reliability
If the suspension is offset during the swaging process to compensate for TMR, then TMR compensation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and process capability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves TMR compensation by creating local asymmetric geometry in the load beam structure, specifically positioning the center of mass at a predetermined offset from the pivot axis. This localized geometric modification can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes without requiring complex swaging operations.
4Reliability
If additional components are incorporated into the suspension, then TMR compensation is improved, but production time and scrap increase in high-volume applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the TMR compensation function with the load beam structure itself, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps to attach additional components. This integration streamlines the manufacturing process for high-volume production by reducing the number of parts to be assembled and the associated processing steps.
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 TMR by integrating the offset structure within existing suspension components, maintaining mass balance and simplifying assembly processes, while allowing for precise control of TMR compensation through laminate selection and design geometry.
Implementation Method 1
a load beam comprising a multi-layer laminate having a spring region
Data Source
AI summary
A TMR-compensating suspension, or one or more suspension components such as a hinge or beam that can be assembled with other components to make a suspension. The suspension includes a proximal actuator mounting region, a rigid beam region, and a spring region or spring legs between the actuator mounting and beam regions. The load beam or component is formed from a multi-layer laminate and is configured with an offset structure at the spring region or spring legs that skews or twists the beam region with respect to the actuator mounting region. Motion of the beam region with respect to the actuator mounting region when the load beam is used in a disk drive will therefore include a TMR-compensating radial component.