Magnetic Head Assembly with Intersecting Linkage for Attitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic disk drive apparatuses face challenges in achieving precise positioning of magnetic heads for high recording density due to instability in attitude angle and deformation of elastic hinge sections, leading to potential damage and reduced displacement performance.
Innovation Solution
A head assembly with a slider support plate that freely turns around a fulcrum, utilizing linear link parts intersecting at the fulcrum position to provide sufficient rigidity and preload, ensuring stable attitude angle control and reduced mechanical load, thereby enhancing precision and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic hinge sections are made flexible to allow slider turning, then the slider can achieve necessary movement freedom, but the hinge sections deform during loading/unloading operations causing instability in attitude angle
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple rigid beam sections (first support beam, second support beam, third support beam) connected by rotationally movable joints, replacing the single elastic hinge section. This segmentation allows each component to maintain rigidity while the assembly provides necessary flexibility through controlled rotation at joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic hinge mechanism is replaced with a rigid linkage system consisting of rigid beams and rotationally movable joints. This substitution eliminates the deformation issues of elastic materials while maintaining the required movement capability through mechanical rotation at the joints.
2Device complexity
If elastic hinge sections are used to support the slider, then the structure remains simple, but the hinge sections may separate from the fulcrum during impact or manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple rigid beam sections (first support beam, second support beam, third support beam) connected by rotationally movable joints, replacing the single elastic hinge section. This segmentation allows each component to maintain rigidity while the assembly provides necessary flexibility through controlled rotation at joints.
Solution Approach 2:
Rotationally movable joints are introduced at the connections between rigid beams, allowing controlled rotation while maintaining secure mechanical connection. This joint design prevents separation during impact or manufacturing processes while enabling the necessary movement freedom.
3Device complexity
If the slider is directly turned by VCM through the head-actuator arm, then the structure remains simple, but precise positioning cannot be achieved for high recording density
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism is divided into a coarse positioning system (VCM moving the head-actuator arm) and a fine positioning system (linkage mechanism with rigid beams and rotational joints adjusting slider attitude). This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize for its specific function while working together to achieve high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism with rotationally movable joints provides dynamic adjustment capability for the slider's attitude angle. This dynamic system allows real-time fine-tuning of the slider position and orientation, enabling precise positioning required for high recording density while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 achieves precise attitude angle adjustment and high-speed micro-displacement control, reducing the risk of disk damage and improving the durability of the head assembly while maintaining high recording density and reduced component count.
Implementation Method 1
first and second thin-film piezoelectric elements 23a and 23b are mounted on first and second piezoelectric-body support sections 32a and 32b of a flexible wiring substrate 32
Implementation Method 2
elastic hinge sections 220c and 220d, each having a slender shape in the middle... The elastic hinge sections 220c and 220d have a structure flexible both in a pitching direction and a rolling direction
Data Source
AI summary
A head assembly includes a slider having a head element, a load beam, a fulcrum formed at a top end section of the load beam, a slider support plate for supporting the slider to freely turn around the fulcrum, at least one drive element for applying a turning force to the slider support plate in a plane thereof, a first linear link part having at both ends a first top end joint part mechanically connected to the slider support plate, and a first base end joint part mechanically connected to the load beam, and a second linear link part having at both ends a second top end joint part mechanically connected to the slider support plate, and a second base end joint part mechanically connected to the load beam. Both of an extended line of the first linear link part and an extended line of the second linear link part travel toward a position of the fulcrum and intersect with each other.