Abstract: A microactuator (30) is provided for positioning a read/write head relative to a mounting region of a head suspension assembly of a magnetic disk drive. The microactuator (30) comprises a substantially C-shaped member (32) having a first end (34) and a second end (38) defining an air gap (42) therebetween. In one embodiment the member (32) is a piezoelectric bimorph expander; in another embodiment the member is a ferromagnetic core. Under an applied electric or magnetic field as appropriate, the size of the air gap (42) may be altered and, because the member (32) is resilient, the original air gap may be restored on removing the applied field. The microactuator may be mounted on the load beam of the head suspension assembly, or between the load beam and head slider supporting the read/write head.

Abstract: A micro actuator driven load beam mechanism for use in a head suspension assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes a load beam including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a hinge portion connecting the proximal and distal end portions of the load beam for permitting relative movement therebetween, and a piezoelectric beam connecting the proximal and distal end portions, the piezoelectric beam being selectively energizable to effect relative movement between the proximal and distal end portions. The load beam includes a pocket for holding at least one end of the piezoelectric beam. The piezoelectric beam and the pocket may be inclined relative to a hinge plane to control the load beam twist and minimize the altitude variations of the beam tip.

Abstract: A micro actuator driven load beam mechanism for use in a head suspension assembly is disclosed. The mechanism includes a load beam including a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, a hinge portion connecting the proximal and distal end portions of the load beam for permitting relative movement therebetween, and a piezoelectric beam connecting the proximal and distal end portions, the piezoelectric beam being selectively energizable to effect relative movement between the proximal and distal end portions. The load beam includes a pocket for holding at least one end of the piezoelectric beam. The piezoelectric beam and the pocket may be inclined relative to a hinge plane to control the load beam twist and minimize the altitude variations of the beam tip.