Piezoelectric Suspension Assembly Resonance Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The positioning accuracy of magnetic heads in disk devices can be compromised due to resonance modes caused by the expansion and contraction of piezoelectric elements, which affect the bending of these elements and lead to reduced precision in head positioning.
Innovation Solution
A suspension assembly design that includes a support plate, a wiring member with a conductive layer and insulating layer, and a driving element affixed to a bridge portion, where the link portions are bent to align with the driving element's deformation, minimizing resonance by adjusting the bending position of outriggers to coincide with the center axis of the piezoelectric elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric elements are used for micro-displacement control of magnetic head, then positioning precision is improved, but resonance modes occur causing positioning accuracy to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibration suppression by designing the outrigger with a specific bending position that creates a node point coinciding with the piezoelectric element's center axis. This mechanical design prevents resonance vibration from occurring during piezoelectric element operation, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy while utilizing piezoelectric micro-displacement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the outrigger by positioning the bent portion at a specific location where the bending creates a node that aligns with the piezoelectric element's center axis. This parameter optimization suppresses resonance modes and eliminates the harmful vibration that would otherwise degrade positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If piezoelectric element is expanded or contracted, then micro-displacement is generated for fine control, but the element bends causing resonance modes
Solution Approach 1:
The outrigger is designed with a bent portion positioned such that when the piezoelectric element expands or contracts, the resulting bending occurs around a node point. This configuration minimizes structural vibration and maintains stability during the expansion/contraction operation, enabling fine control without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful bending effect into a beneficial configuration by strategically positioning the bent portion of the outrigger. The bending that would normally cause resonance is instead channeled through a node point, transforming the harmful vibration into a stable structural response that supports fine control operations.
3Reliability
If outrigger bending position is adjusted to align with piezoelectric element center axis, then resonance is suppressed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes a single geometric parameter - the bending position of the outrigger - to align with the piezoelectric element's center axis. This simple parameter adjustment achieves resonance suppression without requiring complex additional structures, maintaining device simplicity while improving reliability.
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 design enhances the positioning accuracy of magnetic heads by suppressing resonance and maintaining a stable gap between the magnetic disk and head, allowing for precise control and reduced vibration during expansion and contraction operations.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element (PZT element) that functions as a drive element is mounted near the gimbal portion of the wiring member and micro-displacement is generated in the magnetic head in a seek direction by expansion/contraction operations of the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
Each of the link portions includes a bent portion that is bent at a location thereof that is substantially aligned with a straight line that extends in a direction orthogonal to the center longitudinal axis and passes through a central region of the driving element
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension assembly includes a support plate, a wiring member, and a driving element. The wiring member includes a metal plate, an insulating layer, and a conductive layer. The metal plate includes a base end plate, a support portion on a projection portion formed on the support plate, and a pair of link portions which connect the base endplate to the support portion. The insulating layer includes a first end portion on the support portion, and a pair of bridge portions which are respectively provided in parallel with the link portions and extend from a second end portion that is on the base end plate to the first end portion. The driving element deforms in response to a voltage applied thereto to move the support portion. Each link portion includes a bent portion at a location of a straight line passing through a central region of the driving element.