Self-load/unload slider dynamics for non-contact start/stop operations with negative pressure flying head mechanisms

A self-load/unload flying head mechanism with a negative pressure slider is proposed, and noncontact start/stop operations with this mechanism in magnetic disk drives are reported. The self-load/unload mechanism comprises a negative pressure slider and a twin-structure piezoelectric actuator. The slider dynamics were measured precisely using laser Doppler vibrometry, and the microdynamics in self-load/unload operations were experimentally clarified. Numerical analysis was carried out, and the results obtained from simultaneous solution of equations of motion and the Reynolds equation were compared with experimental results. Good agreement was achieved, and no intermittent contact was observed during self-loading, either experimentally or numerically. Using this mechanism, 20000 self-load/unload tests were completed without any damage to a plated disk with a very thin protective layer. This suggests the feasibility of achieving a high head/disk interface reliability and, in particular, of overcoming problems regarding static friction and tribology between head and disk.<>