System, method, and apparatus for high performance, four-piece suspension with extended hinge plate

摘要

A four-piece suspension having a separate extended hinge plate routes its flexure centrally through the hinge area in a symmetrical design. This design eliminates unwanted off-track motion of the slider for bending modes. The hinge plate extends from the base of the load beam to the base of the flexure legs to eliminate height mismatch for the flexure. The ILS flexure, hinge plate, and load beam are welded together to provide a stiff structure for high torsional frequencies. Flexure torsional mode frequency is further increased by welding the flexure to the hinge plate and load beam at two locations closer to the dimple formed at the distal end of the suspension.