Gimbal DSA Suspension Microactuator Mounting for Windage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual stage actuated disk drive suspensions face issues with windage buffeting and tight z-height tolerances due to the conventional mounting of microactuators on the slider side, which affects stability and manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The microactuator is mounted on the load beam side of the flexure, extending partially through an aperture in the load beam, with electrical connections made using conductive epoxy to reduce wind exposure and eliminate z-height tolerance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the microactuator is mounted on the slider side of the flexure, then the microactuator can directly act on the gimbal, but it exposes the microactuator to windage buffeting and creates tight z-height tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional mounting arrangement by placing the microactuator on the load beam side of the flexure rather than the slider side. This inversion moves the microactuator out of the windage-exposed region while maintaining its ability to act on the gimbal through the flexure structure, thereby eliminating windage buffeting effects without compromising actuation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by extending the microactuator through an aperture in the load beam. This dimensional arrangement allows the microactuator to be positioned above the load beam (out of the boundary layer wind) while still maintaining mechanical connection to the gimbal through the flexure, effectively removing it from the harmful windage environment
2Ease of operation
If the microactuator is mounted on the slider side of the flexure, then it can be positioned close to the gimbal, but it creates tight z-height tolerances that complicate manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the mounting location to the load beam side, the patent eliminates the tight z-height tolerance requirements that arise when the microactuator is mounted on the slider side. The load beam side mounting provides a more forgiving reference surface and allows for easier assembly without requiring extremely precise z-height control
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the microactuator is mounted on the load beam side of the flexure, then it reduces windage effects, but it requires an aperture in the load beam and conductive epoxy connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load beam by introducing an aperture through it to accommodate the microactuator. This segmentation allows the microactuator to extend through the load beam from the load beam side, positioning it out of the windage-exposed region while maintaining structural integrity through the remaining load beam material
4Ease of manufacture
If the microactuator is mounted on the load beam side of the flexure, then it simplifies assembly by eliminating z-height tolerance issues, but it requires electrical connections through the flexure using conductive epoxy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conductive epoxy as an intermediary material to establish electrical connections between the microactuator and the flexure circuitry. This intermediary substance allows electrical connectivity to be achieved through the flexure structure, enabling power and signal transmission while maintaining the mechanical and electrical integrity of the assembly
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 reduces windage effects, enhances stability and accuracy by minimizing exposure to boundary layer wind, and simplifies the assembly process by eliminating z-height tolerance complications.
Implementation Method 1
A piezoelectric element, sometimes referred to simply as a PZT, is often used as the microactuator motor
Implementation Method 2
a bridge of electrically conductive adhesive such as conductive epoxy connects the driven electrode of the microactuator through an aperture in the insulating layer of the flexure to an exposed portion of the signal conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal dual stage actuated suspension has a microactuator attached at its distal end to the gimbal in order to effect fine movements of the head slider. The microactuator is mounted on the side of the flexure that is opposite the disk platter and the head slider, and extends in height through an aperture in the load beam. The driving voltage for the microactuator is provided through an aperture in the insulating layer of the flexure to a signal conducting layer in the flexure's electrical circuit. The electrical connection from the signal conducting layer to the microactuator can comprise an electrically conductive adhesive, or an electrically conductive adhesive that contacts an isolated island of the stainless steel support layer in the flexure which is in electrical contact with the conducting layer, which is plated all the way to the stainless steel layer or which is otherwise extended thereto.