Piezoelectric Head Suspension for Tape Dirt and Elongation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tape drive devices face issues with structural complexity, instability of magnetic heads due to weight, potential damage from tape contact, and inability to effectively detect and address dirt or abnormalities in the head unit, leading to data errors.
Innovation Solution
A tape drive device incorporating a head member with a contact surface, a suspension member supported by piezoelectric elements, and a controller to detect dirt and elongation using piezoelectric output, allowing for precise detection and cleaning of the head unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small magnetic head is moved by a voice coil motor, then the head can be positioned in the width direction of the tape, but the head may be damaged when the tape comes into contact with it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspension member as an intermediary between the tape and the magnetic head. This suspension member includes a piezoelectric element that can deform to control the contact between the tape and head, allowing the head to be supported at a position where it can contact the tape during normal operation while preventing damage during fast forwarding or rewinding
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension member with piezoelectric element provides dynamic control over the head-tape interaction. The piezoelectric element can be driven to deform, adjusting the head position and contact pressure dynamically based on operational conditions, enabling both stable positioning and protective disengagement
2Area of stationary object
If a large magnetic head with length corresponding to the width of the tape is used, then the head can cover the entire tape width, but the heavy weight makes it difficult to stably support the head by a head arm with suspension function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical suspension system with a piezoelectric-based suspension member. The piezoelectric element provides precise positional control and stable support for the magnetic head without requiring a heavy mechanical structure, enabling the use of larger heads while maintaining stability through electro-mechanical actuation rather than pure mechanical support
3Reliability
If the tape does not come in contact with the magnetic head to prevent damage, then the tape and head are protected, but the structure of the head drive device becomes further complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member with piezoelectric element serves multiple functions: it supports the magnetic head, enables precise positioning, controls contact between tape and head, and provides protection during abnormal operations. This multi-functional component consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanisms, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving both protection and operational flexibility
4Reliability
If the head member is cleaned by contact with a cleaning member, then dirt on the head member can be removed, but the structure becomes more complex and the cleaning member may damage the head member
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member acts as an intermediary that enables controlled contact between the cleaning member and the magnetic head. By using the piezoelectric element to deform and control the contact pressure, the system allows gentle cleaning contact that removes dirt without damaging the head, while the same intermediary structure prevents excessive force that would cause damage
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
Enables reliable detection and cleaning of the head unit, reducing data errors by identifying dirt and tape elongation, thereby maintaining data integrity and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric unit comprises a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element deforms the suspension member in a state in which a voltage is applied
Implementation Method 2
The controller detects a piezoelectric output generated in the piezoelectric element in a state in which the suspension member is deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A tape drive device includes a head member, a tape drive mechanism moving a tape, a suspension member supporting the head member, piezoelectric units, a drive voltage supply circuit applying a voltage to a piezoelectric element, and a controller. Each of the piezoelectric units includes a piezoelectric element. The controller determines a state of a head unit, based on a piezoelectric output generated at the piezoelectric element provided in the suspension member.