Viscoelastic Load Point for Disk Drive Head Suspension Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load points in head suspensions for dynamic storage devices transfer undesirable vibration energy to the slider, which affects the performance and reliability of hard disk drives.
Innovation Solution
A load point structure using viscoelastic material is fixedly engaged between the load beam and flexure regions, providing a soft link to isolate vibration and minimize energy transfer, with manufacturing processes involving adhesive dispensing, curing, and assembly methods to ensure efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard load point (stainless steel) is used to transfer spring force, then the link between flexure and load beam is strong, but vibration energy is transferred to the slider
Solution Approach 1:
A viscoelastic material layer is introduced as an intermediary between the hard load point and the slider. This mediator absorbs and dampens vibration energy while still allowing the necessary force transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between strong linkage and vibration isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The load point structure uses composite materials combining hard stainless steel for structural strength with soft viscoelastic material for vibration damping. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of strong force transfer and vibration isolation that neither material could achieve alone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft load point material is used to reduce vibration transfer, then vibration energy is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The viscoelastic material parameters (thickness, hardness, damping characteristics) are optimized to achieve effective vibration isolation with minimal impact on manufacturing. By carefully selecting material parameters within practical manufacturing ranges, the solution achieves vibration reduction without excessive manufacturing complexity.
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 viscoelastic load point effectively reduces vibration transfer to the slider, enhancing the stability and reliability of the head suspension while allowing for efficient manufacturing and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The load point has a contact region substantially consisting of viscoelastic material that is engaged with the other of the load beam load point region and the flexure load point region
Implementation Method 2
A load point structure using viscoelastic material is fixedly engaged between the load beam and flexure regions, providing a soft link to isolate vibration and minimize energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A disk drive head suspension including a load beam having a load beam load point region and a flexure, attached to the load beam, having a flexure load point region. A mass of viscoelastic material is fixedly attached to both load beam load point region and flexure load point region to form a pinned load point. A method for manufacturing a disk drive head suspension of the type having a flexure with a flexure load point region on a load beam with a load beam load point region. The flexure load point region is spaced apart from the load beam load point region. A load point is formed by applying a mass of viscoelastic material to the load point region of at least one of the flexure and the load beam.