Tape Head Driving Assembly for Stable Width and Skew Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage devices using tape as a recording medium face issues such as tape damage from magnetic head contact, instability in positioning at high speeds, and structural complexity, particularly when moving the magnetic head in the skew direction.
Innovation Solution
A head driving device utilizing a base member, head supporting member, beam members, and piezoelectric units to move the head member in both the width and skew directions, supported by end support beams and skew driving piezoelectric units to stabilize the magnetic head.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small magnetic head is used to move in the width direction of the tape by the voice coil motor, then the device size is reduced, but the tape may be damaged by contact with the magnetic head and it is not easy to stably hold the magnetic head in a predetermined position
Solution Approach 1:
The head driving device is divided into two independent actuation systems: a voice coil motor for width direction movement and a piezoelectric element for skew direction movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling stable positioning while preventing tape damage through controlled, separate motion control in each direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds skew direction movement (a second dimension of motion) to the traditional width direction movement. By introducing the piezoelectric element that acts in the skew direction, the system achieves precise positioning in two dimensions, allowing the magnetic head to be stably held while maintaining a compact size.
2Reliability
If a large magnetic head having a length corresponding to the width of tape is used, then the magnetic head can be stably supported by a head arm, but the magnetic head is heavy and difficult to support
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical support system (large head arm) with an electro-mechanical system combining voice coil motor and piezoelectric element. This substitution allows a smaller, lighter magnetic head to achieve stable positioning through controlled actuation rather than relying on mechanical support from a large head arm.
3Reliability
If the tape is not in contact with the magnetic head to prevent damage, then the tape is protected, but the structure of the head driving device becomes further complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a non-contact magnetic field interaction as an intermediary between the magnetic head and tape. By using magnetic field coupling rather than direct physical contact, the system prevents tape damage while maintaining a relatively simple structure, as the magnetic field serves as the mediating mechanism for data transfer.
4Device complexity
If a plurality of beam members with piezoelectric elements are used to support the magnetic head, then the structure is simplified, but the head member cannot move in the skew direction depending on access conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a positioning actuator for fine adjustments in the skew direction and as a structural support component. This multi-functionality allows the head driving device to maintain a simplified structure while gaining the capability to move in the skew direction according to access conditions.
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 device stabilizes the magnetic head's position relative to the tape, prevents damage, and simplifies the structure by using piezoelectric elements to drive the head in both width and skew directions, enhancing stability and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first piezoelectric unit arranged on the first beam member and comprising piezoelectric elements, when being applied with a voltage, drives the head supporting member in the width direction of the tape
Implementation Method 2
a first skew driving piezoelectric unit arranged on the first end support beam and comprising piezoelectric elements, when being applied with a voltage, drives the head supporting member in the skew direction
Data Source
AI summary
A head driving device includes an actuator assembly driving a head member in a width direction of tape. The head driving device includes a first end support beam, a second end support beam, a first skew driving piezoelectric unit, and a second skew driving piezoelectric unit. The first end support beam is arranged between a first end portion of the head member in a length direction and a base member. The second end support beam is arranged between a second end portion of the head member in the length direction and the base member. The first skew driving piezoelectric unit and the second skew driving piezoelectric unit drive the head member around the Z-axis.