Triple Magnet Linear Actuator for Data Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear actuators in data storage devices face challenges in generating sufficient magnetic force while maintaining a compact design and ease of assembly, which affects the performance and reliability of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A linear actuator design featuring a ferromagnetic center pole surrounded by a drive coil and a magnetic assembly with top, bottom, and side magnets, allowing for increased magnetic force generation and efficient linear motion without the need for physical contact, thus enhancing the drive force constant and operational robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional linear actuator design is used, then the structure is simpler, but the magnetic force generation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is segmented into multiple independent magnets (first magnet, second magnet, third magnet) positioned at different locations around the drive coil. Each magnet contributes to the overall magnetic field, allowing the system to generate sufficient magnetic force while maintaining modular construction and ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane magnet arrangement to a three-dimensional magnetic field configuration with magnets positioned at multiple spatial locations (top, bottom, and side positions relative to the drive coil). This multi-dimensional arrangement maximizes magnetic force generation within a compact form factor
2Power
If more magnets are added to increase magnetic force, then the drive force constant improves, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly uses multiple discrete magnets that can be independently positioned and assembled. This segmentation allows for optimized magnetic force distribution while maintaining ease of assembly, as each magnet can be separately installed without requiring complex integrated structures
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic assembly is designed to surround the drive coil in a nested configuration, with magnets positioned at optimal distances from the coil center. This nested arrangement maximizes the magnetic field interaction while maintaining a compact structure that is straightforward to assemble
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 solution achieves a higher drive force constant and improved seek performance with reduced mechanical complexity, resulting in a compact, reliable, and easy-to-maintain data storage device with enhanced magnetic force generation.
Implementation Method 1
applying electrical current to the drive coil, the drive coil surrounding a linear ferromagnetic center pole... linearly moving the drive coil along the center pole by a magnetic field generated by
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device includes a ferromagnetic center pole, a drive coil for an actuator arm assembly, and a magnetic assembly surrounding the drive coil. The drive coil surrounds the center pole and has a top, a bottom, and first and second sides; the first side is attached to the actuator arm assembly. The magnetic assembly includes a top magnet disposed above and spaced from the center pole, a bottom magnet disposed below and spaced from the center pole, and a side magnet disposed proximate the second side of the coil and spaced from the center pole. In another embodiment, a linear actuator comprises a ferromagnetic center pole, a drive coil supported for linear motion on a rail, and a magnetic assembly. A method including linearly moving a drive coil along a center pole by a magnetic field is also described.