Microactuator Substrate with Stroke Amplifier and Rotating Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Hard disk drives face challenges in maintaining precise positioning and stability of read/write heads over data tracks due to unwanted relative motion between the slider and the disk surface, which affects data storage density and access speed.
Innovation Solution
A microactuator substrate with a stroke amplifier and a rotating device, integrated with piezoelectric (PZT) actuators, is used to generate amplified motion and rotation, allowing for precise positioning and reduced vibration, thereby stabilizing the slider over the disk surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a secondary microactuator is added close to the slider to mitigate unwanted relative motion, then positioning precision and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microactuator is integrated within the actuator arm structure, with the PZT actuator, stroke amplifier, and rotating device nested together in a compact arrangement. The stroke amplifier is positioned within the actuator arm, and the rotating device is coupled to the stroke amplifier, creating a nested configuration that reduces overall complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated microactuator assembly: the PZT actuator generates force, the stroke amplifier converts and amplifies motion, and the rotating device with rotational springs provides rotational movement and vibration mitigation. This merging of components into one cohesive unit improves positioning precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the stroke amplifier amplifies motion from the PZT actuator, then positioning precision is improved, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stroke amplifier converts linear motion from the PZT actuator into amplified linear motion through a mechanical linkage structure. The amplifier uses a four-bar linkage mechanism with connected arms and pivots that transform small linear displacements into larger linear displacements, achieving motion amplification in the same dimensional space rather than requiring additional spatial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The stroke amplifier changes the motion parameters by amplifying the displacement magnitude while maintaining the motion direction. The mechanical linkage structure is designed with specific arm lengths and pivot positions that provide a mechanical advantage ratio, transforming the small stroke of the PZT actuator into a larger stroke suitable for precise positioning requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rotational springs are used in the rotating device, then vibration is reduced and stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational springs are pre-installed in the rotating device to provide cushioning against vibrations and shocks before they affect the slider positioning. The springs are positioned to absorb and dampen vibrational energy from the disk surface interactions, providing beforehand protection that stabilizes the slider position without requiring complex active vibration control systems.
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 solution enhances data storage density and access speed by minimizing unwanted motion and stabilizing the read/write head, allowing for closer track spacing and faster data access.
Implementation Method 1
A microactuator includes a piezoelectric (PZT) actuator that is coupled to the stroke amplifier and is for generating the force
Implementation Method 2
The rotating device is coupled to the stroke amplifier and comprises rotational springs
Data Source
AI summary
The substrate includes a stroke amplifier for generating an amount of amplified motion converted from a force received thereon. The substrate also includes a rotating device coupled to the stroke amplifier, the rotating device comprising supporting rotational springs. The rotating device is separate and independent from the stroke amplifier and has a center of rotation substantially proximal to a center of mass of an object disposable thereon. The rotating device causes a rotation in a portion of the substrate upon receiving said amplified motion. The substrate further includes a piezoelectric actuator that is coupled to the stroke amplifier and is for generating the force. The stroke amplifier and the rotating device are integrated within the substrate.