Piezoelectric Film Suspension for PSA and RSA Attitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing head gimbal assemblies in hard disk drives face challenges in maintaining stable flying attitudes, as Pitch Static Angle (PSA) and Roll Static Angle (RSA) can deviate from preset values during processing, leading to issues with fly height and long-term reliability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one piezoelectric film coupled to the suspension, which can be extended or contracted to actively control PSA and RSA by applying current, thereby compensating for deviations and maintaining preset target values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PSA and RSA are strictly controlled during manufacturing and assembly processing, then slider flying stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies piezoelectric films to the suspension structure, enabling dynamic adjustment of PSA and RSA angles after assembly. This transforms the static, precision-critical manufacturing process into a dynamic system where angles can be actively controlled and adjusted post-assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining flying stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric films enable change of the suspension's geometric parameters (PSA and RSA angles) through electrical actuation. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric elements, the suspension can dynamically adjust its attitude angles, allowing compensation for manufacturing variations without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If piezoelectric films are added to the suspension for active PSA/RSA control, then slider flying stability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin piezoelectric films integrated into the suspension structure. These flexible thin films can be deposited on the suspension surface and provide the necessary actuation function without significantly increasing structural complexity. The films conform to the suspension geometry and enable active control while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms (such as precision machining or mechanical shims) with piezoelectric actuation. Instead of using complex mechanical systems to adjust PSA and RSA angles, the invention uses electrical fields to generate mechanical deformation in the piezoelectric films, thereby substituting a simple electrical control system for a complex mechanical adjustment system.
3Ease of manufacture
If PSA deviates from preset values, then fly height increases, but manufacturing precision requirements are relaxed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements active control of PSA and RSA angles using piezoelectric films that can be dynamically adjusted based on feedback from the system. This feedback mechanism allows the suspension to compensate for manufacturing variations and maintain optimal fly height, effectively decoupling manufacturing precision requirements from performance outcomes.
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 active compensation enhances the yield of head gimbal and hard disk drive components, improves impact resistance, and ensures long-term reliability by stabilizing the slider's flying attitude.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric film coupled to the suspension in a spaced state from each other, and configured to control at least one of Pitch Static Attitude (PSA), an angle between the load beam and the flexure in a pitching direction, and Roll Static Attitude (RSA), an angle between the load beam and the flexure in a rolling direction, by being extended or contracted when current is applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an assembly located in a memory device. The assembly includes: a suspension including a flexure to which a slider is coupled and a load beam disposed at an upper part of the flexure. The assembly also includes at least one piezoelectric film coupled to the suspension and configured to control at least one of an angle between the load beam and the flexure in a pitching direction and an angle between the load beam and the flexure in a rolling direction by being extended or contracted when electrical current is applied thereto.