Tape Head Support Structure for Stable Piezoelectric Tracking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional data storage devices using tape as a recording medium face issues with unstable magnetic head support and vibration, leading to potential tape damage and complex structures, particularly when using piezoelectric elements for actuation.

Innovation Solution

A head driving device comprising a base member, head supporting member, first and second beam members, and piezoelectric units, with a reinforcement member to stabilize the head member's movement and improve vibration properties, using a frame structure with piezoelectric elements to move the head member along the tape surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a small magnetic head is used with a voice coil motor for movement, then the device size is reduced, but the magnetic head position stability deteriorates and tape damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmagnetic head position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a voice coil motor to dynamically position the head assembly along the tape width, providing precise and responsive movement control. This dynamic positioning system allows the small head assembly to be rapidly moved to required positions while maintaining stability during operation, resolving the contradiction between reduced size and position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of moving object

If a large magnetic head corresponding to tape width is used, then the magnetic head covers the entire tape width, but the head weight increases making stable support difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic head coverage areaVSAvoidmagnetic head weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a small, lightweight magnetic head assembly that segments the recording function to only the required portion of the tape width. The voice coil motor enables this segmented head to be rapidly positioned to different locations along the tape width, achieving full tape coverage capability without requiring a large, heavy head that would be difficult to support stably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If tape is allowed to contact the magnetic head during fast winding or rewinding, then the structure is simpler, but the tape may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead driving device structureVSAvoidtape damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a head arm with spring function that preliminarily positions and supports the magnetic head, maintaining it at an appropriate distance from the tape surface. This preliminary positioning action prevents the tape from contacting the magnetic head during fast winding or rewinding operations, eliminating tape damage risk without requiring complex additional structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If the magnetic head is supported only by beam members, then the structure is simpler, but the magnetic head shows unstable behavior during tape running

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structureVSAvoidmagnetic head stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple support functions into a single integrated head assembly structure. The head assembly combines the magnetic head, beam members for support, spring function for positioning, and connection to the head arm into one unified structure. This merged structure provides stable support for the magnetic head during tape running while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 achieves stable head member support and improved vibration properties, suppressing unwanted movements in the thickness direction and enhancing the head member's stability during tape operation.

Implementation Method 1

first piezoelectric unit arranged on the first beam member and comprising piezoelectric elements moving the head supporting member in a direction along a surface of the tape when being applied with a voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260057907A1Head driving device configured to move a head member relative to tape as a recording medium and configured to stably hold the head member

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 NHK SPRING CO LTD

AI summary

A head driving device includes a base member, a head supporting member, a beam member, a piezoelectric unit, and a reinforcement member. The reinforcement member includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is arranged between a first end portion in a length direction of a head member and the base member. The second member is arranged between a second end portion in a length direction of the head member and the base member. The reinforcement member allows the head supporting member to move in a direction along a surface of tape and controls the head supporting member from moving in a thickness direction of the head member.