Analysis of the correlation between acoustic noise and vibration generated by a multi-layer ceramic capacitor

Acoustic noise generated by a multi-layer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) makes users uncomfortable, so the problem must be analyzed to reduce the noise. There is a correlation between the acoustic noise and the vibration of MLCCs and the circuit board. Therefore, the acoustic noise problem must be investigated from a vibration perspective. In this study, the acoustic noise-generating mechanism was investigated, and the relationship between the characteristics of the noise and the dynamic characteristics of the circuit board with MLCC was analyzed. And a correlation criterion was proposed to predict the acoustic noise using the vibration response of the circuit board.     

Improvement of an asymmetric actuator for optical image stabilization

This paper presents the improvement of an asymmetric actuator for optical image stabilization in a mobile phone camera. The required specification was defined from typical hand vibrations. The actuator was designed to have an asymmetric shape to reduce its size, but this design caused several problems. These problems were analyzed, and a new electromagnetic component design that solved these problems was proposed. Detailed dimensions of proposed design were obtained through the design of experiments procedure. Simulation results show that the final model exhibited sufficient performance to satisfy the required specification.     

The optimal helium fraction for air–helium gas mixture HDDs

Helium-filled drives have recently been commercialized to enable a high recording density. However, because the use of helium increases production costs, binary gas mixtures such as air–helium have been investigated. In this paper, the dominant performance metrics of hard disk drives (HDDs) are the windage losses, the flow induced vibration (FIV), the lubricant transfer and lubricant depletion. These were investigated for air–helium gas mixtures as a function of the helium fraction. The frictional torque was empirically derived in both the laminar and turbulent regimes. The windage loss and the FIV of a helium-filled drive were found to be similar to that using an air–helium gas mixture with a helium fraction of 0.75. On the other hand, the quantity of accumulated lubricant and the maximum lubricant depletion in a helium fraction of 0.75 were superior to those in a helium fraction of 1.0. Further investigation of performance metrics should be carried out. However the performance metrics considered here showed that a helium fraction of 0.75 was favorable to a helium fraction of 1.0.     

Influence of disk curvature on slider attitude under operational shock conditions for a 2.5-in. hard disk drive

Recently, the number of disks in hard disk drives has increased, and the gap between the slider and disk has decreased. These changes make the contact between the ramp and disk easily. External shock and ramp–disk contact can cause change in disk curvature. Such a change in disk curvature affects the air bearing pressure between the slider and disk. However, disk curvature has not been considered in the previous research. Thus, in this study, we investigated the influence of disk curvature on slider dynamics. Disk curvature was calculated from a transient shock analysis, and was then applied to slider dynamic analysis. As a result, disk curvature reduced the shock performance, by decreasing the minimum flying height and increasing the pitch and roll angle of the slider.     

Analysis of the unloading performance considering dimple–flexure behavior in HDD

Currently, almost all hard disk drives (HDDs) have adopted a loading/unloading mechanism that increases their recording capacity and improves their reliability. However, these mechanisms still create a few scratches or defects in the loading/unloading zone. Slipping at the dimple–flexure interface was recently reported as one of the causes. In this research, we first analyzed the relative behavior of dimple–flexure based on fretting wear marks. We determined that the dimple–flexure behavior included both slipping and rotating motion simultaneously. We then verified the distinct slipping and rolling phenomenon at the moment of ramp contact using finite-element method (FEM) analysis. An experimental setup was constructed, and an unloading experiment was carried out to obtain the ramp contact characteristics corresponding to various unloading velocities. Based on the verified FEM, the characteristics of dimple–flexure relative behavior were investigated for various suspension design parameters, ramp contact characteristics, and unloading velocities. A higher ramp contact force and shorter contact duration resulted in larger slip displacements and roll angles between the dimple and the flexure. Finally, we analyzed the unloading performance of an HDD for various design parameters using quasi-static approximation while considering the relative behavior between the dimple and flexure. The quasi-static analysis indicated a change of approximately 15?% in the flying height at an unloading velocity of 40?in. per second when the relative motion between the dimple and flexure was considered during the unloading process. Even, slider–disk contact occurred at an unloading velocity of 50 ISP.     

Tracking servo method for holographic data storage using discrete pre-patterns

Page-oriented holographic data storage (HDS) is very sensitive to disturbances that affect the position of the recording medium. Accordingly, a more precise tracking servo is required for the recording process, and is also crucial for achieving high storage density. A compensation method is therefore essential for HDS recording. In this paper, we suggest some discrete pre-patterns for the tracking servo used in the recording process. This method is motivated by a tracking servo technique for a hard disk drive. Firstly, in designing the pattern shape, HDS characteristics are taken into account. Secondly, track error signals are analyzed. Thirdly, the discrete pre-pattern intervals are determined according to the track tolerance. Lastly, the feasibility of the new method is analyzed via simulations and experiments.     

Effective suppression of deactivation by utilizing Ni-doped ordered mesoporous alumina-supported catalysts for the production of hydrogen and CO gas mixture from methane

Several different kinds of ordered mesoporous alumina (OMA)-supported and Ni-doped OMA-supported Ni catalysts have been prepared for catalytic partial oxidation of methane (CPOM) to produce hydrogen and CO gas mixture. The Ni metal was incorporated in various ways of the impregnation, the doping, and the partial doping followed by impregnation. The prepared OMA-supported catalysts showed a wormhole-like, pseudo-hexagonal structure. By incorporating Ni in the OMA matrix during synthesis of supports, the resulting catalysts showed better-distributed and less-sintered nanocrystals even after CPOM at elevated temperature for over 100 h. By employing the partial doping of Ni followed by impregnation of Ni, the prepared CPOM catalyst was found more productive due to the well-distributed and well-anchored Ni nanocrystals inside the OMA matrix and the confined ordered mesopores as well. Through the test under non-stoichiometric feed ratio, the catalyst prepared only by impregnation was found vulnerable to carbon deposition and deactivated more rapidly. Even worse, the formation rate of carbon deposition was so fast that the test could not be conducted due to the increased pressure difference. In contrast, the highly distributed Ni nanocrystals partially or fully utilizing doping were found to have stronger resistance to carbon deposition.     

Wrench-feasible workspace analysis considering aerodynamics of aerial robotic camera under high speed

Microsystem Technologies - Recently, there have been demand for aerial robotic cameras that offer a large working space, long broadcasting times, and excellent dynamic stability to broadcast live...     

Design of an auto-focusing actuator with a flexure-based compliant mechanism for mobile imaging devices

There is increasing consumer’s demand for high-quality and high-performance mobile imaging devices. In this paper, an auto-focusing (AF) actuator with a flexure hinge that uses the electromagnetic (EM) circuit of a voice coil motor was designed and evaluated. The flexure hinge was designed by using finite element analysis. The EM circuit was designed based on the structural stiffness of the device. The EM circuit was analyzed using the design of experiments procedure. Based on the results, the effective design parameters were selected, and improvements were made to the design. Finally, a prototype of the AF actuator was manufactured, and the feasibility and performance of the actuator with the flexure hinge were verified experimentally. The experimental results indicated that the proposed actuator performed adequately and satisfied the design requirements.