Motor Polarity Testing in Dual Stage Actuated Disk Drive Suspensions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual stage actuated (DSA) suspension systems in disk drives face challenges in accurately determining the orientation of motors, leading to potential misplacement and malfunction due to reversed or same polarity conditions, which affect the suspension's ability to properly position the head slider over the disk tracks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for testing disk drive suspension components by measuring electrical signals generated by motors during relative movement, identifying characteristics such as polarity and phase offset to determine correct motor orientation, and generating an output indicating proper or reversed motor mounting, using a base, a device for relative movement, and circuitry to analyze the signals and detect orientation errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motor orientation is not properly tested during assembly, then assembly process is simple and fast, but motor polarity may be reversed leading to suspension malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual inspection and mechanical testing methods with electrical signal measurement. By measuring the electrical signals generated by motors during controlled movement, the system automatically determines motor orientation and polarity, substituting mechanical judgment with electrical detection to improve reliability while keeping the testing system relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The motors themselves generate the test signals through their normal operation during controlled movement. The electrical signals produced by the motors during relative movement between suspension portions serve as the test input, eliminating the need for external complex testing equipment. The system uses the motors' own operational characteristics for self-diagnosis of orientation correctness
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection of motor orientation is used, then testing is simple, but measurement precision of motor polarity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection and manual checking with objective electrical signal measurement. By measuring the polarity and characteristics of electrical signals generated during controlled motor movement, the system achieves precise automated detection of motor orientation, eliminating the imprecision of manual methods while providing clear measurable data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the physical state of motor orientation into measurable electrical signal parameters. By monitoring changes in electrical signal polarity, amplitude, and timing during controlled movement, the system converts a difficult-to-detect mechanical orientation problem into an easily measurable electrical parameter problem, improving both precision and ease of detection
3Manufacturing precision
If motor orientation testing is performed, then motor placement accuracy is improved, but testing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs motor orientation testing during the assembly process itself, before the suspension is finalized and installed. By integrating the testing step into the assembly workflow and using signals generated during normal operational movement, the system ensures motor placement accuracy is verified early, preventing rework later while minimizing additional time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The testing process utilizes the motors' normal operational movement to generate test signals. Rather than requiring separate dedicated testing procedures, the system continuously monitors electrical signals during the motors' functional movement between suspension portions, making the testing an integrated part of the operational sequence rather than an additional time-consuming step
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
Ensures accurate motor orientation detection, preventing malfunctions and ensuring proper head slider positioning by identifying and correcting misplacements, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of disk drive suspensions.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electrical signal that is produced by at least one motor mounted on the suspension in response to the relative movement between the first portion and the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus concern testing a disk drive suspension. Testing includes moving a first portion of a suspension relative to a second portion. A pair of motors is mounted on the suspension. The testing further includes measuring an electrical signal that is intrinsically produced by the motors, combined in a circuit, in response to the relative movement. The testing further includes identifying a characteristic of the electrical signal and determining whether an orientation of one or both of the motors is reversed relative to an intended motor orientation based on the characteristic of the electrical signal. The testing can determine whether the orientation of both motors matches the intended motor orientation, whether the orientation of one motor is reversed in a same polarity condition, whether the orientations of both motors are reversed in a mutual reverse polarity condition, or whether the suspension has a mechanical or electrical defect.