In-Plane Gimbal Tongue Microactuator for Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face challenges in maintaining accurate data access performance due to fine resolution physical adjustments that can cause unwanted movement and resonance susceptibility, compromising data access efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device configuration featuring a gimbal tongue with co-located microactuators positioned in-plane with the gimbal tongue, allowing precise in-plane physical movement and reducing the need for load beam articulation, thereby enhancing data access performance and reducing operational variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fine resolution physical adjustments are made to maintain accurate data access performance, then data access precision is improved, but resonance susceptibility and unwanted movement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fine resolution physical adjustment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based microactuator system. The microactuator uses magnetic fields to achieve precise positioning of the transducing head without the mechanical contact and resonance issues associated with physical adjustment mechanisms. This substitution maintains data access precision while eliminating the harmful resonance and unwanted movement caused by mechanical adjustments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microactuators are positioned out-of-plane with the gimbal tongue to provide adjustment range, then physical adjustment capability is improved, but mechanical integrity and operational stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the microactuator in the out-of-plane direction relative to the gimbal tongue, utilizing the third dimension to provide the necessary adjustment capability. This spatial arrangement allows the microactuator to achieve the required range of motion while maintaining proper mechanical alignment and structural integrity of the gimbal tongue assembly, thereby resolving the conflict between adjustability and mechanical stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If load beam articulation is used repeatedly to access multiple data tracks, then data track accessibility is improved, but operational variability and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service positioning system where the microactuator autonomously adjusts the transducing head position to access different data tracks without requiring repeated load beam articulation. The microactuator senses track position and makes fine adjustments independently, reducing the frequency of load beam movements and thereby minimizing operational variability and mechanical wear while maintaining full data track accessibility.
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 in-plane microactuator alignment optimizes data access performance by increasing mechanical stroke sensitivity and reducing power consumption, while minimizing resonance susceptibility and off-track frequency responses, allowing for efficient access to multiple data tracks without repeated load beam articulation.
Implementation Method 1
A data storage device having a gimbal tongue suspended from a load beam with a transducing head mounted to the gimbal tongue and the transducing head separated from a magnetic recording medium by an air bearing. A microactuator attached to the gimbal tongue is positioned so that a mid-plane of the microactuator is congruent with a mid-plane of the gimbal tongue.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device can employ a microactuator system that efficiently translates longitudinal microactuator strain into movement in-plane with a mid-plane of a gimbal tongue. A gimbal tongue may be suspended from a load beam with a transducing head mounted to the gimbal tongue and the transducing head separated from a magnetic recording medium by an air bearing. A microactuator attached to the gimbal tongue can be positioned so that a mid-plane of the microactuator is congruent with a mid-plane of the gimbal tongue.