Piezoelectric Actuator Nonconductive Adhesive Insulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head suspensions for magnetic disk drives face challenges in maintaining precise positioning of magnetic heads due to inadequate electric insulation between piezoelectric elements and the actuator base, particularly in ensuring a consistent gap between the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element, which affects the accuracy and reliability of the positioning operation.
Innovation Solution
A head suspension design that incorporates a nonconductive adhesive part and fillers to fill and maintain the gap between the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element, ensuring electric insulation and precise positioning by embedding nonconductive fillers into the circumferential channel to keep the gap width constant and securely attach the piezoelectric element to the actuator base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large gap is maintained between the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element to cover dimensional allowances and assembly errors, then the piezoelectric element is protected from damage during assembly, but the electric insulation between the piezoelectric element electrode and the actuator base becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A nonconductive adhesive is introduced as an intermediary substance to fill the gap between the piezoelectric element and the actuator base. This adhesive provides both mechanical support to protect the brittle piezoelectric element during assembly and electrical insulation to prevent harmful electrical contact, thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution employs a composite approach by combining the nonconductive adhesive with the structural components. The adhesive layer creates a composite structure that integrates both protective and insulating functions within the assembly, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve element protection and electrical insulation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gap between the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element is reduced to improve electric insulation, then electrical insulation is enhanced, but the piezoelectric element becomes vulnerable to damage from dimensional variations and assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The nonconductive adhesive serves as a mediator that allows the gap to be minimized for insulation purposes while still providing protection. The adhesive compensates for the reduced gap by offering a compliant, nonconductive interface that protects the piezoelectric element from mechanical stress while maintaining electrical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the interface between the piezoelectric element and the actuator base by introducing the adhesive material. This material has specific properties (nonconductive, compliant, adhesive) that allow the system to maintain both small gap dimensions for insulation and adequate protection against dimensional variations.
3Measurement precision
If precise positioning of the piezoelectric element is achieved to improve positioning accuracy of the magnetic head, then the positioning precision is enhanced, but the complexity of the assembly process and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nonconductive adhesive enables a self-aligning assembly process where the piezoelectric element can be positioned with adequate tolerance. The adhesive fills and levels the interface automatically during assembly, providing self-correction for minor positioning errors and eliminating the need for complex precision alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive material changes the assembly parameters by providing a compliant, gap-filling interface that tolerates dimensional variations. This allows the assembly process to proceed with relaxed precision requirements while still achieving the desired final positioning accuracy, as the adhesive compensates for minor misalignments.
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 configuration effectively secures electric insulation between the electrode of the piezoelectric element and the actuator base, enhances the precision of magnetic head positioning, and protects the brittle piezoelectric elements from damage, while maintaining the dynamic characteristics and displacement capabilities of the head suspension.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element attached to the opening and deforming in response to a voltage applied thereto
Implementation Method 2
a nonconductive adhesive part formed in the circumferential channel and joining the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element together
Data Source
AI summary
The piezoelectric actuator of a head suspension has an actuator base and at least a piezoelectric element, the actuator base connected to the base part of the load beam of the suspension and having at least an opening, the piezoelectric element attached to the opening and deforming in response to a voltage applied thereto to effect displacement of the front end of the load beam. A nonconductive filler is fitted into a circumferential channel defined between a circumferential edge of an opening in the actuator base and a circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element facing the circumferential edge of the opening to maintain a width of the circumferential channel. A nonconductive adhesive part is formed in the circumferential channel and joins the circumferential edge of the opening and the circumferential side face of the piezoelectric element together.