Tape Head Driving Device Using Piezoelectric Micromotion Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head driving devices for data storage using tape as a recording medium face challenges in stably holding the magnetic head and preventing damage, particularly due to the complexity of structures and increased component count, as well as difficulties in maintaining the head's position at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A head driving device comprising a head supporting portion, first and second beams, piezoelectric units, and hinge portions, which utilize taper-shaped structures and symmetric suspensions to stabilize the head member and function as a micromotion actuator, reducing the risk of damage and improving positional stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a voice coil motor is used to move the magnetic head in the width direction of the tape, then the magnetic head can be positioned, but the tape may be damaged by contact with the magnetic head and it is difficult to stably hold the magnetic head in a predetermined position at high speeds
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the magnetic head along the tape width using a voice coil motor (conventional approach), this patent inverts the approach by moving the tape itself in the width direction relative to a stationary magnetic head. This is achieved through a tape transport mechanism with drive rollers and idler rollers that can shift the tape laterally, thereby achieving positioning without direct contact between the magnetic head and tape surface during movement, eliminating the risk of tape damage while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the tape transport system with drive and idler rollers) between the positioning system and the magnetic head. This intermediary allows the tape to be moved laterally to position the desired track under the stationary magnetic head, rather than moving the magnetic head itself, thus preventing direct contact and potential damage while achieving precise positioning
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large magnetic head having a length corresponding to the width of tape is used, then the head can cover the tape width, but the large magnetic head is heavy and it is difficult to stably support the magnetic head by a head arm comprising a suspension function
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a large, heavy magnetic head to cover the tape width (conventional approach), this patent inverts the approach by keeping a small, lightweight magnetic head stationary and moving the entire tape width laterally using the tape transport mechanism. This allows the magnetic head to effectively access any position across the tape width without needing to be large or heavy, maintaining stability through the suspension system while achieving full tape width coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a moving copy of the tape width by laterally shifting the tape itself rather than moving the magnetic head across the width. This allows a small magnetic head to access all positions on the tape by the tape being brought to different positions under the head, effectively copying the positioning function without requiring a large head structure
3Measurement precision
If a coarse motion actuator and a micromotion actuator are used to correspond to the increase in the recording density of tape, then the magnetic head can be positioned with fine precision, but the structure is complicated and the number of components is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of coarse motion and micromotion actuators into a single integrated tape transport mechanism. The drive rollers provide coarse positioning by moving the tape to the general area, while the idler rollers provide fine adjustment by making small lateral adjustments to the tape position. This unified approach achieves both coarse and fine positioning capabilities without requiring separate actuator systems, thereby reducing structural complexity and component count while maintaining high positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The tape transport mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, where the same system of drive and idler rollers performs both coarse positioning (moving the tape to the general track area) and fine positioning (precise lateral adjustment). This universal mechanism eliminates the need for separate coarse and fine actuators, reducing complexity while achieving the required positioning precision for high-density recording
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 proposed solution effectively stabilizes the head member and functions as a micromotion actuator, enhancing the stability and reducing the risk of damage to the tape, while simplifying the structure and reducing the number of components compared to existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first piezoelectric unit is provided between the first base portion and the base portion of the first beam. The first piezoelectric unit displaces the distal end of the first beam by deforming in a state where voltage is applied. The second piezoelectric unit is provided between the second base portion and the base portion of the second beam. The second piezoelectric unit displaces the distal end of the second beam by deforming in a state where voltage is applied.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a tape as a recording medium; a head member including a length larger than a width of the tape; and an electrical element expanding and contracting based on a polarity and an applied voltage. The head member is moved in a state where the voltage is applied and the electrical element expands or contracts.