positioner
Noun: 1. A device that moves something to a specific location or orientation: In technology and engineering, a positioner is a type of actuator designed to move an object to a precise, predetermined position. 2. (Computer Science) A specific actuator for a read/write head: In computing, a positioner is the precise mechanical component that moves the read/write head of a disk drive directly to the correct data track on a storage disk.
- Noun:
- The robotic arm uses a high-accuracy positioner to place components on the circuit board.
- A malfunction in the hard drive's positioner can lead to data read errors.
- Engineers calibrated the optical positioner for the laser cutting machine.
- "Voice coil positioner": A common type of actuator used in modern hard disk drives, known for its speed and precision in moving the read/write head.
- The voice coil positioner allows for very fast access times on the solid-state hybrid drive.
- Position (verb): To place or arrange something in a particular location.
- He positioned the microphone carefully before the interview.
- Positioning (noun): The action of placing or arranging something.
- The precise positioning of the satellite is critical for communication.
- Actuator
- Mover
- Manipulator (in a technical/robotic context)
The term "positioner" is highly technical. Its primary and most common use is within fields like computer hardware engineering, robotics, and manufacturing automation. It refers specifically to a device that provides controlled movement to achieve a set position, rather than continuous motion. In everyday language, a simpler term like "mover" or "actuator" might be used, but "positioner" emphasizes the precision and final targeted location of the movement.
- (computer science) the actuator that moves a read/write head to the proper data track