Multi-Tether Gimbal for Disk Drive Resonance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-tether gimbal assemblies in magnetic disk drives are unstable due to high-speed resonances and forces, leading to distortion of flexible circuits, solder bond failures, and reduced reliability and lifespan of the drives.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tether gimbal assembly design with stainless steel tethers or connectors that secure the flexible circuit assembly to outriggers, reducing displacement and improving high-frequency resonance response, thereby stabilizing the suspension assembly and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-tether gimbal assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the gimbal assembly deteriorates due to high-speed resonances and forces
Solution Approach 1:
The single tether connection is segmented into multiple tethers (first plurality of tethers along first outrigger, second plurality of tethers along second outrigger). This segmentation distributes the mechanical loads and resonances across multiple connection points, reducing the stress on any single tether and improving overall gimbal assembly stability during high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tethers are combined to work together as a unified support system. The first and second outriggers with their respective tether pluralities are integrated to provide coordinated support for the flexible circuit assembly, creating a more stable structural configuration that resists high-speed resonances and forces.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single-tether gimbal assembly is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the reliability of the magnetic disk drive deteriorates due to solder bond failures and flexible circuit distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple tethers distributed along the outriggers, which distributes mechanical stresses and reduces the likelihood of solder bond failures. This segmentation also prevents flexible circuit distortion by providing multiple support points that maintain proper circuit geometry during high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple tethers are positioned and configured in advance to cushion and absorb the effects of high-speed resonances and forces before they can cause damage. The tether arrangement provides pre-established mechanical support that protects the flexible circuit and solder bonds from excessive stress during operation.
3Productivity
If the magnetic disk drive operates at higher speeds, then the productivity increases, but the stability of the gimbal assembly deteriorates due to new forces and resonances
Solution Approach 1:
The tether system is segmented into multiple connections along the outriggers, which distributes the high-speed operational forces and resonances across multiple attachment points. This segmentation reduces the mechanical stress on individual tethers and maintains gimbal assembly stability during high-speed data access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical parameters of the gimbal assembly are changed by introducing multiple tethers with different orientations and attachment points. This changes the dynamic characteristics and resonance frequencies of the assembly, allowing it to better withstand the forces generated during high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly used in magnetic disk drives includes a load beam and a gimbal assembly coupled to an end of the load beam. The gimbal assembly includes a support having a left outrigger and a right outrigger, first tethers or connectors disposed along the left outrigger, second tethers or connectors disposed along the right outrigger, and a flexible circuit assembly that includes a left electrical trace and a right electrical trace. The flexible circuit assembly is coupled to the support through the first tethers or connectors that couple the left electrical trace to the left outrigger and the second tethers or connectors that couple the right electrical trace to the right outrigger. The first and second tethers or connectors are made of stainless steel with a polyimide coating and there are three first tethers or connectors and three second tethers or connectors.