Folded Spring Tape Actuator for Higher Skew Servo Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of track following servo systems in tape drives is constrained by the performance of the skew actuator, which is limited by the moving mass and flexibility of the actuator, hindering track density scaling and capacity gains.
Innovation Solution
A folded spring actuator design with U-shaped sections and stiffener wings, reducing the moving mass and increasing stiffness, thereby enhancing track and skew following performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a conventional spring actuator design is used, then the structure is simple, but the moving mass is high and stiffness is low
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple segments including top section, middle section with parallelized spring legs, and bottom section. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for mass reduction while maintaining structural integrity through the folded C-shape configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stiffener wings that extend perpendicular to the main spring legs, adding a third dimension to the structure. This dimensional addition increases stiffness without significantly increasing mass, as the stiffeners are positioned to provide leverage against bending moments.
2Speed
If the actuator mass is reduced, then skew servo bandwidth improves, but structural stiffness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator employs a composite structure combining spring steel for the flexible spring legs with additional stiffening elements. This composite approach allows the primary spring elements to remain lightweight and flexible for high bandwidth while the stiffeners provide the necessary rigidity to suppress flexible modes.
Solution Approach 2:
Stiffener wings are added perpendicular to the spring legs, creating a three-dimensional structure that resists bending moments more effectively. This dimensional addition provides stiffness enhancement without the mass penalty of traditional rigid constructions.
3Productivity
If track density scaling is increased, then capacity gains are achieved, but servo system performance is constrained by actuator limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator design changes key parameters including mass reduction by approximately 48% and stiffness enhancement, which directly improves the servo system's ability to track high-density tracks. These parameter changes enable the actuator to respond faster and more accurately to track following requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented design with parallelized spring legs allows for optimized mass distribution and stiffness characteristics that are specifically tailored for high-speed track following, enabling the servo system to handle increased track density without sacrificing reliability.
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 design achieves a 48% reduction in total moving mass, improving skew servo bandwidth and enabling increased track density and capacity through enhanced track following and skew following performance.
Implementation Method 1
a folded spring actuator design with U-shaped sections and stiffener wings
Implementation Method 2
stiffener wings, reducing the moving mass and increasing stiffness
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a spring actuator positioned in a folded spring actuator assembly includes a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section of the spring actuator that form a C-shape for the spring actuator. The middle section includes two parallelized spring legs, where a cable head module is slidable into a gap formed by the top section and two parallelized spring legs of the middle section of the spring actuator.