Active fiber composite data storage device suspension

• US 9,953,668 B1
• Filed: 09/30/2016
• Issued: 04/24/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/30/2016
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC (Seagate Technology Holdings Plc)
• Original Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC (Seagate Technology Holdings Plc)
• Inventors: Kumar, Vijay, Zambri, Razman
• Primary Examiner(s): EVANS, JEFFERSON A
• Application Number:
  US15/281,264
• Publication Number:
  US 20180096701A1
• Time in Patent Office: 571 Days
• Field of Search: 3602944, 3602947, 3602449
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/483 Piezoelectric devices between head and arm, e.g. for fine adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/4833 Structure of the arm assembly, e.g. load beams, flexures, parts of the arm adapted for controlling vertical force on the head G11B5/484 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/4853 Constructional details of the electrical connection between head and arm
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/5552 using fine positioning means for track acquisition separate from the coarse (e.g. track changing) positioning means
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 5/6058 using piezoelectric means

Abstract

A data storage device may employ a suspension that positions a transducing head proximal a data storage medium. The suspension can consist of an active fiber composite that spans a portion of a loadbeam. The active fiber composite can be configured with at least one active fiber contacting a supporting layer.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising a data storage device having a suspension positioning a transducing head proximal a data storage medium, the suspension comprising an active fiber composite spanning a portion of a loadbeam, the active fiber composite comprising a first active fiber contacting, and separated from a second active fiber of the active fiber composite by, a non-conductive supporting layer, the first active fiber and second active fiber each separated from an electrode of the active fiber composite by the supporting layer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the non-conductive supporting layer surrounds the first active fiber.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the active fiber composite continuously contacts a top surface of the loadbeam, the top surface opposite a bottom surface that contacts a gimbal, the gimbal supporting the transducing head.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first active fiber comprises a piezoelectric transducer material.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first active fiber has a longitudinal axis aligned parallel with a longitudinal axis of the active fiber composite.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the active fiber composite has a greater thickness than the loadbeam.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the loadbeam is connected to a baseplate via at least one microactuator.

8. An apparatus comprising a data storage device having a suspension positioning a transducing head proximal a data storage medium, the suspension comprising an active fiber composite spanning a portion of a loadbeam, the active fiber composite comprising a first and second active fibers suspended between a first electrode and a second electrode, the first active fiber separated from the second active fiber by contacting a supporting layer, the first and second active fibers each separated from the first and second electrodes by the supporting layer.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are respectively positioned on separate surfaces of the active fiber composite.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first electrode is separated from a third electrode on a common surface of the active fiber composite.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second electrodes are electrically independent and connected to different ports of a controller.

12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first and second active fibers are each electrically conductive and selectable.

13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first electrode comprises a positive lead and a negative lead.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the positive lead of the first electrode comprises at least one positive finger separated from at least one negative finger on a common surface of the active fiber composite.

15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the active fiber composite spans an aperture in the loadbeam.

16. A method comprising:

positioning a transducing head proximal a data storage medium with a suspension of a data storage device, the suspension comprising an active fiber composite spanning a portion of a loadbeam, the active fiber composite comprising a first active fiber and a second active fiber, the first active fiber physically separated from the second active fiber, each active fiber contacting a non-conductive supporting layer, each active fiber separated from an electrode of the active fiber composite by the supporting layer;

activating at least one electrode of the active fiber composite to manipulate a position of the transducing head relative to the data storage medium; and

sensing a position of the suspension with the active fiber composite while the at least one electrode is activated.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the transducing head is manipulated to decrease an air bearing size between the transducing head and the data storage medium.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the transducing head is manipulated to rotate the loadbeam and move the transducing head from a first track of the data storage medium to a different second track of the data storage medium.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein motion of the transducing head is sensed by a controller via signals received from the active fiber composite.