Tape Head Suspension Sensing for Dirt and Damage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tape drive devices face issues with head member stability, susceptibility to damage, and inability to detect dirt or abnormalities effectively, leading to data errors and structural complexity.
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 abnormalities 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 voice coil motor, then the head can access data on tape, but the head is susceptible to damage when tape contacts it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a suspension member as an intermediary between the magnetic head and the tape. This suspension member includes a piezoelectric element that can deform to control the contact between the head and tape, allowing the head to be supported at a position where it can access data while preventing direct contact that would cause damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the suspension member by applying voltage to the piezoelectric element, causing it to deform and adjust the head's position dynamically. This allows the system to transition between contact and non-contact states, resolving the contradiction between needing contact for data access and avoiding contact for damage prevention
2Area of stationary object
If a large magnetic head with length corresponding to tape width is used, then the head can cover the entire tape width, but the heavy weight makes it difficult to support stably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the head support function by using a suspension member with piezoelectric elements positioned at specific locations (e.g., both ends and center of the head). This allows the large-area head to be supported at multiple points, distributing the weight and maintaining stability while preserving the full coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric elements can deform in response to voltage application, dynamically adjusting the support characteristics of the suspension member. This allows the system to maintain stable support for the large head while enabling precise position control
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators are used for coarse and fine movement, then higher recording density can be accommodated, but the structure becomes complicated and component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the piezoelectric element multi-functional by using it both as an actuator (when voltage is applied to cause deformation for movement) and as a sensor (when voltage is applied to detect piezoelectric output for position feedback). This eliminates the need for separate actuators for coarse and fine movement, simplifying the structure while maintaining high recording density capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the piezoelectric element detects its own state through piezoelectric output when voltage is applied. This feedback allows the controller to precisely control the head position, achieving high recording density without needing multiple separate actuators
4Productivity
If tape is moved in contact with head member, then data can be written and read, but dirt and dust adhere to the head member causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension member acts as an intermediary that controls the contact between head and tape. By deforming the piezoelectric element, the system can maintain optimal contact for data access while minimizing conditions that lead to dirt adhesion, and can quickly separate them to prevent contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The system can use the piezoelectric suspension to preliminarily position the head at the optimal contact point before data access operations begin, ensuring proper alignment and minimal contact pressure that reduces dirt adhesion while maintaining data access capability
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 stable head member support, detects dirt and elongation, and prevents data errors by cleaning the head member, thus maintaining data integrity and simplifying the device structure.
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 to the piezoelectric element
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.