Piezoelectric MEMS Actuator for Hard Disk Read/Write Head Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hard-disk memory systems face limitations in the precision and extent of translation of the read/write head with respect to the slider, which restricts the density of data tracks and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A MEMS-based actuator device with a semiconductor body, piezoelectric regions, and a deformable region is developed, enabling precise translation of the read/write head by deforming the membrane region in response to voltage control, thereby overcoming the limitations of prior art.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a thermal actuator is used to translate the read/write head, then translation capability is achieved, but the degree of translation is limited to less than 10 nm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal actuator mechanism with a piezoelectric actuator mechanism. The piezoelectric material undergoes dimensional change in response to applied voltage, enabling precise control of the read/write head translation. This substitution of mechanical/thermal mechanism with piezoelectric mechanism achieves both extended translation distance (up to 30 nm) and high precision positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the piezoelectric effect to change the dimensional parameters of the actuator material in response to voltage changes. By controlling the voltage applied to the piezoelectric material, the translation distance and precision can be precisely controlled, achieving up to 30 nm translation with high positioning accuracy.
2Productivity
If the read/write head is fixed to the slider without translation capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but track density and storage capacity cannot be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical translation mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuation system integrated into the slider structure. This substitution enables track density increase while keeping the overall device architecture relatively simple, as the piezoelectric material can be directly integrated into the slider without requiring separate mechanical translation components.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuator serves multiple functions: it provides precise translation of the read/write head, enables positioning adjustment, and can be integrated directly into the slider structure. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve higher storage capacity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The solution allows for enhanced translation precision and capacity, achieving translation of up to 30 nanometers, significantly improving data storage density and capacity compared to prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A MEMS-based actuator device with a semiconductor body, piezoelectric regions, and a deformable region is developed, enabling precise translation of the read/write head by deforming the membrane region in response to voltage control
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a read/write device for a hard-disk memory system. The read/write device includes a fixed structure; a membrane region including a first and a second membrane, which are constrained to the fixed structure, and a central portion, interposed between the first and second membranes; a first and a second piezoelectric actuator, mechanically coupled, respectively, to the first and second membranes; and a read/write head, which is fixed to the central portion of the membrane region. The first and second piezoelectric actuators can be controlled so as to cause corresponding deformations of the first and second membranes, said deformations of the first and second membranes causing corresponding movements of the read/write head with respect to the fixed structure.