HGA Circuit Extension Region Shock Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head gimbal assemblies in hard disk drives are susceptible to damage from non-operational shock events, particularly affecting PZT actuators and circuits due to stress caused by large movements during handling or drops.
Innovation Solution
A head gimbal assembly design featuring a circuit extension region that extends beyond the base portion's proximal edge by at least 0.1 mm, utilizing flexible insulation material to absorb shock and reduce stress on PZT actuators, while maintaining electrical connectivity for fine positioning control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the circuit is mounted directly on the base portion without extension, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased stress on PZT actuators during shock events
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into a first portion mounted on the base portion and a second portion extending beyond the proximal edge. This segmentation allows the circuit extension region to act as a shock-absorbing element while the main circuit remains functional, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit extension region serves as an intermediary element between the base portion and the PZT actuators. During shock events, this extension region absorbs and distributes stress, protecting the PZT actuators while maintaining electrical connectivity, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the circuit extension region width is increased to absorb more shock, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a minimum width parameter (0.1 mm) for the circuit extension region rather than requiring precise dimensional control. This parameter change approach allows manufacturers to achieve sufficient shock absorption capability while reducing the stringency of dimensional tolerance requirements, thus improving reliability without excessively increasing manufacturing precision demands.
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
Significantly reduces maximum stress on PZT actuators and the head gimbal assembly during non-operational shock events, minimizing the risk of damage and maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing flexible insulation material to absorb shock and reduce stress on PZT actuators
Implementation Method 2
PZT actuators 20 mounted on the same side of the gimbal 14 as the slider 18... PZT actuators 20 are mounted between the tongue 14b and the base portion 14a, for rotating the tongue 14b about the neck portion 14c when the PZT actuators 20 expand and contract in response to electrical signals
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal having a base portion and a tongue joined together by a neck portion. The base portion includes a first proximal edge facing away from the tongue. A circuit is mounted on the gimbal and includes a portion mounted to the base portion having a circuit extension region that extends beyond the first proximal edge. The circuit extension region includes a second proximal edge facing away from the tongue. A slider may be mounted on the tongue and electrically connected to the circuit. First and second PZT actuators are mounted to the head gimbal assembly and electrically connected to the circuit. The circuit extension region has a circuit extension region width W of at least 0.1 mm as measured in a direction extending away from the tongue relative to a furthest extending portion of the first proximal edge and a furthest extending portion of the second proximal edge.