Micro Actuator Lever Linkage for Data Storage Stage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing data storage systems employing scanning probe microscopy (SPM) technology face challenges in increasing storage capacity and reducing manufacturing costs due to the separation of driving units from the stage, leading to increased volume and varying weights of coils, which results in higher costs and decreased device density on silicon wafers.

Innovation Solution

A micro actuator design featuring a supporting unit with elastically supported stages arranged in a 2x2 matrix, levers connecting adjacent stages to apply opposing forces, and driving units with coils on the bottom surfaces to provide simultaneous x and y directional movement, enhancing area efficiency and shock resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If driving units are separately arranged on two sides of the stage, then the micro actuator can endure external impact strongly, but the entire volume of the micro actuator increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendurance against external impactVSAvoidvolume of micro actuator

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the driving units with the stage by integrating them into a single unified structure. The driving units are no longer separately arranged on two sides of the stage, but are instead combined with the stage itself, reducing the overall volume while maintaining the capability to endure external impact through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If driving units are separately arranged on two sides of the stage, then the micro actuator can endure external impact strongly, but the number of devices fabricated in a single silicon wafer decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendurance against external impactVSAvoidnumber of devices fabricated in a single silicon wafer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of driving units with the stage creates a more compact design that occupies less space on the silicon wafer. This merging allows more devices to be fabricated on a single wafer, improving productivity and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining impact endurance through the unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a coil is installed in each of the driving units, then the micro actuator can drive stages in x and y directions, but the weight of coils may vary and devices may perform differently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedriving capability in x and y directionsVSAvoidconsistency of coil weight and device performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a common coil structure that serves multiple driving units, making the coil design universal across all stages. This universal coil design ensures consistent weight and performance characteristics across all devices, while still enabling driving capability in both x and y directions through the shared coil mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If driving units are separately arranged, then each driving unit can be independently controlled, but the area efficiency of the media stage decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of driving unitsVSAvoidarea efficiency of media stage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the driving units with the stage to improve area efficiency. By integrating the driving units into the stage structure rather than arranging them separately, the design maximizes the usable area of the media stage while maintaining independent control capabilities through the integrated actuation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design improves area efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs by allowing for more accurate mass balancing and batch processing of coils, and enhances the micro actuator's ability to withstand external shocks while maintaining high performance.

Implementation Method 1

driving units which respectively provide a driving force to the stages

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

each lever having two ends respectively connected to adjacent stages, and which apply force to the adjacent stages so that when one of the stages is moved, an adjacent stage is moved in an opposite direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of stages that are elastically supported by the supporting unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7889626B2Micro actuator and data storage apparatus employing the same

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A micro actuator having separated stages and a data storage apparatus employing the same are provided. The micro actuator includes: a supporting unit; stages that are elastically supported by the supporting unit, each stage having a mounting surface where a target driven body is mounted thereon, and arranged adjacent to each other; levers which are disposed between the stages, each lever having two ends respectively connected to adjacent stages, and which apply force to the adjacent stages so that when one of the stages is moved, an adjacent stage is moved in an opposite direction to a moving direction of the moved stage; and driving units which respectively provide a driving force to the stages.