HDD Suspension Geometry for Stable Tab Height on Loading Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variations in the height of the distal end of the tab in disk devices, such as hard disk drives, cause issues with head unloading operations and tab collisions, necessitating larger ramp dimensions and reduced disk density.
Innovation Solution
Optimizing the distance ratios of the load beam components to minimize height variations of the tab, specifically setting the distance from the base plate to the dimple and from the dimple to the tab within certain ranges, thereby stabilizing the tab height and reducing the need for enlarged ramp dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the diameters of the entrance and exit of the ramp and the distances between the entrances and between the exits are enlarged to cope with variations in tab height, then the reliability of head loading and unloading operations is improved, but the device height increases and the number of magnetic disks that can be stacked is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the load beam, specifically the distance ratios between the base plate, dimple, and tab. By setting the distance from the base plate to the dimple and from the dimple to the tab within specific ranges, the patent minimizes height variations of the tab during head loading/unloading operations, thereby reducing the required ramp dimensions while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent preemptively addresses potential tab height variations by optimizing the load beam geometry before the actual head loading/unloading operations occur. The predetermined distance ratios are designed to counteract leverage movements and minimize height fluctuations, preventing the need for oversized ramps
2Reliability
If the diameters of the entrance and exit of the ramp are enlarged to prevent tab collisions, then the reliability of head unloading operations is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the load beam, specifically the distance ratios between the base plate, dimple, and tab. By setting the distance from the base plate to the dimple and from the dimple to the tab within specific ranges, the patent minimizes height variations of the tab during head loading/unloading operations, thereby reducing the required ramp dimensions while maintaining operational 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
Stabilizes tab height variations, ensuring reliable head loading and unloading operations while maintaining compact disk densities, thus enhancing the operational reliability and design flexibility of disk devices.
Implementation Method 1
a leverage movement occurs on the dimple as the fulcrum, thereby varying the height of the distal end of the tab
Implementation Method 2
when the tab is on the ramp, a leverage movement occurs on a contact point (ramped loading point) between the ramp and the tab as the fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a disk device includes two magnetic disks opposing each other at intervals of 1.2 to 1.5 mm, and at least two suspension assemblies movable respectively between the two magnetic disks. Each of the suspension assemblies includes a base plate, a load beam extending from the base plate, a tab extending from a distal end of the load beam, a wiring member on the load beam and the base plate, including a gimbal portion, and a magnetic head on the gimbal portion, abutting on a dimple of the load beam via the gimbal portion. The ratio of a distance from a bendable location of the load beam to a center of the dimple with respect to a distance from the center of the dimple to a tip of the tab is 2.8 to 3.8.