Oppositely Deflected Suspension Flexure for Dimple Contact Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disk drive suspensions face challenges in maintaining optimal contact force between the flexure tongue and the dimple, as conventional offset methods often compromise on contact due to spatial and material constraints.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves a flexure frame with separate and oppositely acting biasing structures, where the cross-member and struts are deflected in a manner that increases the net biasing force on the tongue, enhancing its contact with the dimple, by creating a double and opposite deflection mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the tongue is offset from the plane of the base to bias the tongue toward the dimple, then the contact force is improved, but the spatial constraints and interference from the frame are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact forceVSAvoidframe interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing function is segmented into two separate locations: the cross-member offset and the strut deflection. This segmentation allows each element to contribute independently to the net biasing force while avoiding interference from the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cross-member and struts have different local geometries and deflection characteristics. The cross-member is offset from the base plane while the struts are deflected relative to the cross-member, creating localized quality differences that enable the dual biasing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Force

If the cross-member is deflected to bias the tongue toward the dimple, then the contact force is improved, but the tongue movement freedom is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact forceVSAvoidtongue movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to deflect under load while maintaining the biasing function. The spring-like behavior enables the structure to adapt to tongue movement while continuously providing the necessary contact force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach results in a significant increase in the contact force between the tongue and the dimple, ensuring improved track registration and stability during disk drive operations while adhering to the constraints of disk drive suspension engineering.

Implementation Method 1

the cross-member and struts are deflected in a manner that increases the net biasing force on the tongue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7609481B1Oppositely deflected suspension flexure providing increased dimple contact force

Publication Date: 2009.10.27 MAGNECOMP CORP

AI summary

Method and apparatus in which a disk drive suspension flexure tongue supports a slider. A flexure frame attached to a suspension supports the tongue in dimple engagement with the suspension. Spaced, separate biasing structures on the frame act oppositely on the tongue for a net increase in tongue dimple contact force.