Tape Embedded Drive Head Suspension with Piezo Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tape drive library systems face challenges such as environmental reliability issues due to exposure to humidity and temperature variances, contamination, and robotics delays, while also struggling with accuracy at higher tracks per inch and maintaining compatibility with multiple tape generations.
Innovation Solution
A tape embedded drive that integrates the tape media and read/write heads into a cassette, using a 3.5 inch form factor similar to hard disk drives, incorporating piezoelectric actuators for fine movement and dual stage motors for larger movement, and a sealed design to maintain a controlled environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tape drives are exposed to environmental conditions for ease of operation, then accessibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to humidity, temperature variances, and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a removable tape cartridge that can be easily handled and inserted/removed, and a stationary tape drive housing that remains in the controlled environment. This segmentation allows the tape cartridge to be accessed freely while the drive maintains environmental stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tape media is extracted from the drive housing and placed in a separate removable cartridge. This extraction allows the tape to be handled, stored, and replaced outside the controlled environment without compromising the drive's environmental stability, while still enabling easy access to data through cartridge replacement.
2Measurement precision
If head bar mass is reduced to improve movement accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head bar is constructed using composite materials, specifically aluminum alloy, which provides an optimal balance between low mass for accurate positioning and sufficient structural strength to support the read/write heads and withstand operational forces. The composite structure maintains rigidity while minimizing weight.
3Loss of time
If head bar length is reduced to improve movement speed, then access time is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the shorter head bar by introducing vertical movement capability through a movable head assembly that can move up and down along the vertical axis. This dimensional change allows the system to achieve the necessary head-to-tape spacing adjustment without requiring a longer horizontal head bar, thus maintaining fast access times while enabling precise positioning through vertical actuation.
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 solution reduces maintenance costs, improves data access time, enhances accuracy, and supports multiple tape generations by integrating head technology within the cassette, providing a reliable and efficient data storage solution.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating piezoelectric actuators for fine movement
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device comprises, a head assembly, motor(s) configured to actuate the head assembly. The storage device may optionally include tape reel(s) holding tape media for storing data and a casing. The head assembly and its suspension system comprises a support structure, a head housing having an upper attachment bracket and a lower attachment bracket, a first flat spring attached to the upper attachment bracket, a second flat spring attached to the lower attachment bracket, and a head bar attached on an upper side to the first flat spring and attached on a lower side to the second flat spring. The head bar includes at least one read head and at least one write head.