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US 6,760,196 B1Granted
Microactuator with offsetting hinges and method for high-resolution positioning of magnetic read/write head
AssigneeWestern Digital Corporation
InventorsYimin Niu, Edmund Bruno Fanslau, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microactuator comprised of a piezoelectric motor mounted on a flexure tongue with offsetting hinges, to perform a fine positioning of the magnetic read/write head. The substantial gain in the frequency response greatly improves the performance and accuracy of the track-follow control for fine positioning. The simplicity of the enhanced microactuator design results in a manufacturing efficiency that enables a high-volume, low-cost production.
Claims33
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first pad and the second pad are offset along a transverse axis by on offset distance.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first pad and the second pad are offset along a longitudinal axis by on offset distance.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are offset along a transverse axis by on offset distance.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are offset along a longitudinal axis by an offset distance.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the top side of the motor is secured to the first pad and the second pad.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to expand, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor,
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to contract, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
8 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the motor comprises two piezoelectric motors;
- wherein a first piezoelectric motor is secured to the first pad;
- and
- wherein a second piezoelectric motor is secured to the second pad.
10 more elements
A microactuator for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and on underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface comprises a plurality of piezoelectric motors that are arranged in a circumferential configuration;
- wherein the plurality of piezoelectric motors comprise a corresponding plurality of force centers;
- and
- wherein the plurality of force centers are offset from the center of rotation to import a rotational movement to the actuator.
5 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- and
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the top side of the motor is secured to the first pad and the second pad.
12 more elements
A microactuator, comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first pad and the second pad are offset along any of a transverse axis or a longitudinal axis, by an offset distance.
4 more elements
A microactuator, comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands:
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are offset along any of a transverse axis or a longitudinal axis.
4 more elements
A microactuator, comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor is formed of any of on electrostrictive material or a memory alloy;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to expand, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
6 more elements
A microactuator, comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island corn rises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor is formed of any of an electrostrictive material or a memory alloy;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to contract, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
6 more elements
A microactuator, comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor comprises two piezoelectric motors;
- wherein a first piezoelectric motor is secured to the first pad;
- and
- wherein a second piezoelectric motor is secured to the second pad.
6 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first pad and the second pad are offset along a transverse axis by an offset distance.
11 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising;
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first pad and the second pad are offset along a longitudinal axis by an offset distance.
11 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and on underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein e second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first hinge and the second hinge ore offset along a transverse axis by on offset distance.
11 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are offset along a longitudinal axis by an offset distance.
11 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- on arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to expand, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
11 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to contract, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
11 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface includes a flexure tongue;
- wherein the flexure tongue includes two hinged islands;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor comprises two piezoelectric motors;
- wherein a first piezoelectric motor is secured to the first pad;
- and
- wherein a second piezoelectric motor is secured to the second pad.
12 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a resilient hinged mounting structure;
- a motor comprising a top side and an underside, that moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine positioning movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- the top side of the motor is secured to the hinged mounting structure;
- the underside of the motor is secured to the slider;
- wherein the hinged mounting surface comprises a plurality of piezoelectric motors that are arranged in a circumferential configuration;
- wherein the plurality of piezoelectric motors comprise a corresponding plurality of force centers;
- and
- wherein the plurality of force centers are offset from the center of rotation to impart a rotational movement to the actuator.
8 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first pad and the second pad are offset along any of a transverse axis or a longitudinal axis, by an offset distance.
7 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are offset along any of a transverse axis or a longitudinal axis.
7 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- and
- wherein the motor is oriented along any of a longitudinal axis or a transverse axis of the flexure tongue.
7 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor is formed of any of an electrostrictive material or a memory alloy;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- and wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to expand, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
8 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor is formed of any of an electrostrictive material or a memory alloy;
- wherein the motor includes a piezoelectric motor;
- and
- wherein the control voltage causes the first pad and the second pad to contract, and the first hinge and the second hinge to deflect, so as to generate a torque about the center of rotation, causing the piezoelectric motor and the slider to displace in any of a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise rotation.
8 more elements
A read/write head for use in a data storage device that includes a slider, comprising:
- an arm;
- and
- a microactuator secured to the arm and comprising:
- a hinged mounting structure that includes at least two hinged islands;
- a motor;
- wherein the motor is secured to the two hinged islands, so that the microactuator moves rotationally about a center of rotation, to perform fine rotational movement when a control voltage is applied to the motor;
- wherein a first hinged island comprises a first pad and a first hinge;
- wherein a second hinged island comprises a second pad and a second hinge;
- wherein the motor comprises two piezoelectric motors;
- wherein a first piezoelectric motor is secured to the first pad;
- and
- wherein a second piezoelectric motor is secured to the second pad.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.