Tape Head Support Structure for Thickness-Direction Vibration Control
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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.
Innovation Solution
A head driving device comprising a base member, head supporting member, beam members with piezoelectric units, and a reinforcement member that stabilizes the magnetic head by allowing movement along the tape surface while preventing movement in the thickness direction, using a frame structure with integrated metal plates and piezoelectric elements to enhance stability and vibration control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small magnetic head is used to move in the width direction of the tape by voice coil motor, then the device structure is simplified, but the magnetic head becomes unstable and may damage the tape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric elements that can dynamically adjust the position and orientation of the magnetic head in real-time. The piezoelectric elements are arranged to provide dynamic control over the head's position in the width direction and its tilt angle, allowing the system to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain stability during high-speed tape movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from simple voice coil motor actuation to multi-axis piezoelectric control. By using piezoelectric elements with different orientations (including tilted arrangements), the system can independently control multiple parameters such as head position, tilt angle, and orientation, thereby achieving stable head support without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a large magnetic head having length corresponding to the width of tape is used, then the magnetic head can be stably supported, but the magnetic head becomes heavy and difficult to support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into multiple piezoelectric elements distributed across the head supporting structure. Instead of relying on a single large supporting structure, the system uses multiple smaller piezoelectric elements (first, second, third, and fourth piezoelectric elements) that collectively provide the necessary support and control functions, reducing the weight of the moving head assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining piezoelectric materials with the head supporting member. The piezoelectric elements are integrated into the supporting structure to create a composite system that provides both mechanical support and active position control, achieving stable head support with reduced weight compared to traditional large magnetic heads.
3Reliability
If tape is not in contact with the magnetic head to prevent damage, then the structure becomes more complex, but if contact is allowed, the tape may be damaged during fast winding or rewinding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses piezoelectric elements to dynamically control the head's position and orientation, enabling the system to maintain optimal contact conditions with the tape during normal operation while preventing excessive contact pressure during fast winding or rewinding. The tilted arrangement of piezoelectric elements allows for fine control of the head's angle relative to the tape surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters to include tilt angle and orientation control in addition to position control. By adjusting these parameters through the piezoelectric elements, the system can optimize the contact between the magnetic head and the tape, preventing damage during high-speed operations while maintaining necessary contact for data recording and playback.
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 support and improved vibration properties, reducing the risk of tape damage and simplifying the structure by suppressing unwanted vibrations, particularly in the thickness direction.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 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
Data Source
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.