Contact between suspension arms and sliders for magnetic storage devices.

Abstract

To provide a magnetic storage device in which a contact between a suspension arm and a slider for a read / write head assembly is improved.SOLUTION: In a hard disk drive, a suspension arm 140 includes a slider attachment side, at least one first electrical contact pad 144 on the slider attachment side, and a slider 142 co-movably fixed to the suspension arm. The slider includes: a suspension attachment side 162; a non-head side 156 facing the suspension arm and intersecting the suspension attachment side at a first slider edge 160 of the slider; a head side 158 facing away from the suspension arm; and at least one electrical contact component on the suspension attachment side up to the first slider edge. At least one weld portion is directly connected to the at least one first electrical contact pad and the at least one electrical contact component.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to magnetic storage devices, and more particularly to improving a connection between a suspension arm and a slider of a read / write head assembly of a magnetic storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Magnetic storage devices, such as hard disk drives ("HDDs"), are widely used to store digital data or electronic information for enterprise data processing systems, computer workstations, portable computing devices, digital audio players, digital video players, and the like. Generally, HDDs include a read / write head assembly that helps facilitate the storage of data on the magnetic disk. Each read / write head assembly may include a slider that supports the read / write head, and a suspension arm. Reliably electrically interconnecting the slider and suspension arm of a read / write head assembly may be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is a need for a magnetic storage device that improves the connection between the suspension arm and the slider of the read / write head assembly of the magnetic storage device. In response to the current state of magnetic storage devices, and in particular to problems and needs in the art as discussed above that have not yet been fully resolved by currently available magnetic storage devices, the subject matter of the present application has been developed. At least some of the shortcomings of the prior art are thereby overcome by the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0004] Disclosed herein is a magnetic storage device including a magnetic disk and a carriage arm rotatably movable relative to the magnetic disk. The magnetic storage device also includes a suspension arm fixed to the carriage arm for co-movement. The suspension arm includes a slider mounting side and at least one first electrical contact pad at the slider mounting side. The magnetic storage device includes a slider fixed to the suspension arm for co-movement. The slider includes the base having a suspension mounting side, a non-head side facing the suspension arm and intersecting the suspension mounting side at a first slider edge of the base, and a head side opposite the non-head side and facing away from the suspension arm. The suspension mounting side extends between the non-head side and the head side of the base. The slider also includes at least one second electrical contact pad attached to the suspension mounting side of the base. The second electrical contact pad includes a first portion at the suspension mounting side of the base and a second portion protruding from the first portion away from the suspension mounting side at an angle relative to the first portion. The second portion has a maximum width in a virtual plane substantially parallel to the suspension mounting side. The maximum width of the second portion is less than a maximum width of the first portion in the virtual plane. The magnetic storage device includes at least one solder weld directly coupled to the at least one first electrical contact pad and the at least one second electrical contact pad. The magnetic storage device includes a read / write head coupled to the head side of the base. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a first example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0005] The second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad further includes a first second portion edge and a second second portion edge. A portion of the second portion within an imaginary square parallel to the suspension mounting side of the base and projected onto the slider is smaller than 9 / 10 of a portion of the first portion within the imaginary square. A first side of the imaginary square is aligned with a first side of the first portion. A second side of the imaginary square is perpendicular to the first side and aligned with the first second portion edge of the second portion. A third side of the imaginary square is parallel to the second side and aligned with the second second portion edge of the second portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 2 of the present disclosure, of which Example 2 also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0006] The portion of the second portion within the virtual square is less than half the portion of the first portion within the virtual square. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 3 of the present disclosure, which also includes the subject matter according to Example 2 above.

[0007] The solder weld is further directly bonded to the first and second portions of the at least one second electrical contact pad.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of the first to third embodiments above.

[0008] A width of the first portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad varies along a length of the first portion. A width of the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad varies along a length of the second portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 5 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1-4 above.

[0009] The width of the first portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad increases along the length of the first portion in a first direction away from the non-head side of the base. The width of the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad decreases along the length of the second portion in the first direction away from the non-head side of the base. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 6 of the present disclosure, of which Example 6 also includes subject matter according to Example 5 above.

[0010] The first portion is symmetric. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 7 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 5 and 6 above.

[0011] The first portion is asymmetric.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 8 of the present disclosure, which also includes the subject matter according to Examples 5 and 6 above.

[0012] The suspension arm includes at least twelve first electrical contact pads on the slider attachment side. The at least one first electrical contact pad includes an electrical contact pad of the at least twelve first electrical contact pads. The slider includes at least twelve second electrical contact pads. The at least one second electrical contact pad includes an electrical contact pad of the at least twelve second electrical contact pads. The magnetic storage device includes at least twelve welds directly coupled to corresponding ones of the at least twelve first electrical contact pads and the at least twelve second electrical contact pads, respectively. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments 1-8.

[0013] The second portion further includes a first second portion edge and a second second portion edge. The first second portion edge is spaced apart from the first portion. The second second portion edge is adjacent to the first portion along a bend between the first portion and the second portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a tenth example of the present disclosure, which includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1-9 above.

[0014] The first second portion edge has a width in the virtual plane that is less than the maximum width of the second portion. The width of the second second portion edge is equal to the maximum width of the second portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes an eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure, which also includes the subject matter according to the tenth embodiment above.

[0015] The first second portion edge is curved.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a twelfth example of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to any of the tenth and eleventh examples above.

[0016] The first portion includes at least one slit extending from a side of the first portion toward a centerline of the first portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a thirteenth example of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of the first through twelfth examples above.

[0017] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a read / write head assembly for a magnetic storage device. The read / write head assembly includes a suspension arm. The suspension arm includes a slider mounting side and at least one first electrical contact pad at the slider mounting side. The read / write head assembly further includes a slider secured to the suspension arm for co-movement. The slider includes the base having a suspension mounting side, a non-head side facing the suspension arm and intersecting the suspension mounting side at a first slider edge of the base, and a head side opposite the non-head side and facing away from the suspension arm. The suspension mounting side extends between the non-head side and the head side of the base. The slider includes at least one second electrical contact pad attached to the suspension mounting side of the base. The second electrical contact pad includes a first portion at the suspension mounting side of the base and a second portion protruding from the first portion away from the suspension mounting side at an angle relative to the first portion. The second portion has a maximum width in an imaginary plane substantially parallel to the suspension mounting side. The maximum width of the second portion is less than a maximum width of the first portion in the imaginary plane. The read / write head assembly includes at least one solder weld directly coupled to the at least one first electrical contact pad and the at least one second contact pad. The read / write head assembly includes a read / write head coupled to the head side of the base. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] The second portion has a semicircular shape.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 15 of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to Example 14 above.

[0019] The second portion has a trapezoidal shape.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 16 of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to Example 14 above.

[0020] The at least one second electrical contact pad further includes an additional second portion that protrudes from the first portion away from the suspension mounting side at an angle relative to the first portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 17 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 14-16 above.

[0021] The at least one second electrical contact pad further includes a wetting prevention layer disposed on the first portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 18 of the present disclosure, which also includes the subject matter according to any of Examples 14-17 above.

[0022] The wetting prevention layer has a maximum width that is greater than a maximum width of the first portion.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 19 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to Example 18 above.

[0023] An embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a method of manufacturing a magnetic storage device. The method includes forming the at least one second electrical contact pad on the base of the slider such that a width of a first portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad is greater than a width of a second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad, and the second portion protrudes from the first portion away from the base of the slider at an angle relative to the first portion and the base of the slider. The method includes soldering at least one first electrical contact pad of a suspension arm to the at least one second electrical contact pad of the slider via at least one solder ball such that the solder ball reflows over at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes an embodiment 20 of the present disclosure.

[0024] The described features, structures, advantages, and / or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and / or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and / or methods in a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in a particular embodiment and / or implementation, but may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Furthermore, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the subject matter as set forth below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] So that the advantages of the present disclosure may be readily understood, a more particular description of the present disclosure, briefly described above, will now be made with reference to certain embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. With this understanding, the subject matter of the present application will be described and interpreted with greater specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a carriage arm, a suspension arm, and a slider of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Diagram 3] 1 is a front view of a read / write head assembly of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 4A] 1 is a side view of a read / write head assembly of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is an enlarged side view of the read / write head assembly of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 5A] 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having electrical contact pads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is an enlarged front view of the slider of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 6] 2 is a front view of an electrical contact pad of a slider of a read / write head assembly in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having curved electrical contact pads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an electrical contact pad with one or more slits in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having electrical contact pads with slits in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an asymmetric electrical contact pad with one or more slits in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] [Figure 11] 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having asymmetric electrical contact pads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having electrical contact pads with substantially straight edges in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] [Figure 13] 1 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an electrical contact pad having a first portion and two or more second portions protruding away from the first portion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Figure 14] 1 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an electrical contact pad having a first portion and a curved second portion in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an anti-wetting layer in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] [Figure 16]2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an anti-wetting layer disposed over the electrical contact pads in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0044] [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an anti-wetting layer disposed on two edges of an electrical contact pad in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0045] [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a front view of a slider of a read / write head assembly having an anti-wetting layer disposed on three edges of an electrical contact pad in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] [Figure 19] 1 is a schematic flow chart of a method for manufacturing an electrical contact pad of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar expressions mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The occurrences of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," and similar expressions throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, use of the term "embodiment" means an embodiment having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, but an embodiment may be associated with one or more embodiments unless there is an explicit correlation indicating otherwise.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, the magnetic storage device 100 is shown as a hard disk drive (HDD). However, in other embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 may be any of a variety of magnetic storage devices without departing from the essence of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The magnetic storage device 100 includes a housing 102 that seals or encloses an interior cavity 114 defined within the housing. The housing 102 includes a base 130 and a cover 132 (shown in dashed lines so as not to obscure the internal features of the magnetic storage device 100 within the interior cavity 114 of the housing 102). The cover 132 is coupled to the base 130 to enclose the interior cavity 114 from an environment external to the housing 102. In some implementations, a seal or gasket is disposed between the base 130 and the cover 132 to facilitate sealing between the base 130 and the cover 132.

[0049] The magnetic storage device 100 includes various features located within an interior cavity 114 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 includes a carriage 103, a disk 115, a spindle motor 121, and a voice coil magnetic (VCM) actuator 125 within the interior cavity 114. The carriage 103 includes a plurality of carriage arms 105 and at least one read / write head assembly 110 coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of carriage arms 105. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, two read / write head assemblies 110 are coupled to a distal end of each of the plurality of carriage arms 105. Each read / write head assembly 110 includes a suspension arm 140, a slider 142, and at least one read / write head 148 (see, e.g., FIG. 3). Although not shown, each read / write head assembly 110 may include at least one gimbal. The gimbal movably couples the suspension arm 140, the slider 142, and at least one read / write head 148 to corresponding ones of the carriage arms 105. Although the magnetic storage device 100 is shown having five carriage arms 105 and four disks 115 in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and nine carriage arms 105 and eight disks 115 in the embodiment of FIG. 2, in other embodiments the magnetic storage device 100 can have fewer than five carriage arms 105, fewer than four disks 115, more than nine carriage arms 105, more than eight disks 115, six to eight carriage arms 105, or five to seven disks 115. Each side of each carriage arm 105 that faces the disk 115 has a read / write head assembly 110 (for example, in FIG. 2, each of the bottom carriage arm 105 and the top carriage arm 105 has one read / write head assembly 110, and each of the middle carriage arms 105 between the bottom carriage arm 105 and the top carriage arm 105 has two read / write head assemblies 110).Similarly, although the magnetic storage device 100 is shown having one spindle motor 121 and one VCM actuator 125, in other embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 can have any number of spindle motors 121 and VCM actuators 125.

[0050] The spindle motor 121 is coupled to the base 130. Generally, the spindle motor 121 includes a stationary portion immovably fixed relative to the base 130 and a spindle rotatable relative to the stationary portion and the base 130. As such, the spindle of the spindle motor 121 can be considered to be part of the spindle motor or integral with the spindle motor. Generally, the spindle motor 121 is operable to rotate the spindle relative to the base 130. The disks 115 or platters are co-rotatably fixed to the spindle of the spindle motor 121 via respective hubs 122 co-rotatably fixed to the respective disks 115 and the spindle. As the spindle of the spindle motor 121 rotates, the disks 115 correspondingly rotate. In this manner, the spindle of the spindle motor 121 defines an axis of rotation for each disk 115. The spindle motor 121 can be operatively controlled to rotate the disks 115 in a rotational direction 190 at a controlled speed and by a controlled amount.

[0051] Each of the disks 115 can be any of a variety of types of magnetic recording media. In general, in one embodiment, each disk 115 includes a substrate and a magnetic material applied directly or indirectly to the substrate. For example, the magnetic material of the disks 115 can be a conventional granular magnetic recording disk or wafer having a magnetic layer bits with multiple magnetic grains in each bit. In granular magnetic media, the bits are all coplanar and the surface 116 of the disk is substantially smooth and continuous. In one embodiment, each bit has a magnetic dipole moment that can have either an in-plane (longitudinal) orientation or an out-of-plane (perpendicular) orientation.

[0052] As the disks 115 rotate in a read / write mode, the VCM actuator 125 electromagnetically engages the voice coil of the carriage arm 105 to rotate the carriage arm 105, and the read / write head assembly 110 coupled to the carriage arm 105, in a rotational direction relative to the disks 115 along a plane parallel to the read / write surface 154 of the disks 115. The carriage arm 105 can be rotated to position the read / write heads 148 of the read / write head assembly 110 over designated radial regions of the read / write surface 154 of the corresponding disks 115 for read and / or write operations. The VCM actuator 125 engages and is fixed to the base 130 with the voice coil of the carriage arm 105, which is rotatably coupled to the base 130 via a spindle 127 extending through the carriage 103. Generally, the spindle 127 defines an axis of rotation about which the carriage arm 105 rotates when actuated by the VCM actuator 125.

[0053] The carriage arms 105 are immovably fixed to and extend away from the base of the carriage 103 such that they are spaced apart from one another. In some implementations, the carriage arms 105 are equidistantly spaced apart from one another and extend parallel to one another. Each of the disks 115 is disposed between adjacent carriage arms 105. In an idle mode (e.g., when no read / write operations are being performed), the VCM actuator 125 is actuated to rotate the carriage arms 105 radially outward relative to the disks 115 such that the read / write head assembly 110 is parked or unloaded on a ramp support 117 fixed to the base 130.

[0054] The read / write head 148 includes at least one read transducer and at least one write transducer. The read transducer is configured to detect magnetic properties (e.g., magnetic bit patterns) of the disk 115 and convert the magnetic properties into electrical signals. In response, the write transducer changes the magnetic properties of the disk 115 in response to the electrical signals. For each read / write head assembly 110, electrical signals are transmitted to or from the read / write head 148 via electrical traces or lines formed in or coupled to the slider 142, suspension arm 140, and carriage arm 105. The electrical traces of the slider 142, suspension arm 140, and carriage arm 105 are electrically interconnected to facilitate transmission of electrical signals between the read / write head 148 and a flex connector 104 of the magnetic storage device 100, which communicates with a control module of the magnetic storage device 100. The control module is configured to process the electrical signals and facilitate communication of the electrical signals between the magnetic storage device 100 and one or more external computing devices. Generally, the control module includes software, firmware, and / or hardware used to control the operation of various components of the magnetic storage device 100. The control module may include a printed circuit board on or within which the hardware is mounted. As described in more detail below, solder welding is utilized to electrically connect corresponding electrical contact pads (and corresponding electrical traces) on the slider 142 and the suspension arm 140.

[0055] Although not shown, the read / write head assembly 110 also includes a head actuator selectively operable to move the read / write head 148 relative to the carriage arm 105. The head actuator selectively moves the read / write head 148 in any of a variety of directions and in any of a variety of manners. For example, the head actuator may be configured to linearly move the read / write head 148 in any of a variety of directions, such as in one or more of a first lateral direction, a second lateral direction, a forward direction, and a backward direction, along a plane parallel to the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. As another example, the head actuator may alternatively or additionally be configured to linearly move the read / write head 148 in any of a variety of directions, such as an upward direction and a downward direction, along a plane perpendicular to the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. Further, in some implementations, the head actuator may alternatively or additionally be configured to rotationally move the read / write head 148 in any of a variety of rotational directions along a plane parallel and / or perpendicular to the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. The head actuator may be any of a variety of actuators known in the art, such as, for example, so-called electrically controlled micro- and milli-actuators (e.g., piezoelectric actuators).

[0056] The suspension arm 140 of the read / write head assembly 110 is softer and more flexible than the carriage arm 105 to facilitate resilient support of the slider 142 relative to the carriage arm 105. For example, in some implementations, the suspension arm 140 is flexible to bend away from the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115 to allow the slider 142 to move away from the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115, such as when an air bearing is formed between the read / write surface 154 and the slider 142 as the disk 115 spins relative to the read / write head assembly 110. The suspension arm 140 has a generally thin, sheet-like structure and may be tapered from the carriage arm 105 towards the slider 142. The slider 142 is coupled to a distal end portion of the suspension arm 140 such that the suspension arm 140 is disposed between the slider 142 and the carriage arm 105 or separates the slider 142 from the carriage arm 105. In this manner, the slider 142 is spaced distally from the carriage arm 105 via the suspension arm 140. The suspension arm 140 is directly or indirectly coupled to the carriage arm 105. The suspension arm 140 may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as metal, composite, plastic, etc.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the suspension arm 140 is directly coupled to the carriage arm 105. In such embodiments, the suspension arm 140 is immovably fixed to the carriage arm 105. In other words, the suspension arm 140 can bend which causes portions of the suspension arm 140 to move relative to the carriage arm 105, but the portions of the suspension arm 140 that are immediately fixed to the carriage arm 105 do not move relative to the carriage arm 105. The suspension arm 140 can be immovably fixed to the carriage arm 105 via any of a variety of bonding techniques, such as fastening, bonding, adhesive, welding, etc.

[0058] In contrast, in certain embodiments, the suspension arm 140 is indirectly coupled to the carriage arm 105. In such embodiments, the suspension arm 140 may be immovably fixed to the carriage arm 105 or may be movably fixed to the carriage arm 105. According to some implementations, the suspension arm 140 is movably fixed to the carriage arm 105 via a suspension arm actuator (not shown). The suspension arm actuator movably couples a proximal end of the suspension arm 140, and thus the entire suspension arm 140, to a distal end of the carriage arm 105. The suspension arm actuator is configured to selectively move the suspension arm 140 relative to the carriage arm 105. More specifically, as an example, the suspension arm actuator selectively rotates the suspension arm 140, and thus the slider 142, relative to the carriage arm 105 in a rotational direction along a plane parallel to the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. The suspension arm actuator may be any of a variety of actuators known in the art, such as, for example, so-called electrically controlled microactuators and milliactuators.

[0059] 3-4B, the suspension arm 140 includes a slider mounting side 176 that faces the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. The suspension arm 140 may, in some implementations, thin out toward its distal end and converge to a point such that the slider mounting side 176 is angled toward, but still faces, the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115 at the distal end of the suspension arm 140.

[0060] The suspension arm 140 also includes at least one first electrical contact pad 144 on the slider attachment side 176. The first electrical pad 144 may be located at a distal end of the suspension arm 140 and extend along the length of the suspension arm 140 in a direction parallel to the read / write surface 154. Alternatively, the length of the first electrical pad 144 may be shortened with a narrower electrical trace electrically coupled to the first electrical pad 144 extending along the length of the suspension arm 140. As shown in FIG. 3, the suspension arm 140 includes a plurality of first electrical contact pads 144 spaced apart from one another in a direction parallel to the read / write surface 154. In one embodiment, the suspension arm 140 includes at least 12 first electrical contact pads 144 spaced apart from one another. In another embodiment, the suspension arm 140 includes at least 14 first electrical contact pads 144 spaced apart from one another. The first electrical contact pads 144 may be made of any of a variety of electrically conductive materials, such as gold, silver, copper, and the like. Additionally, the first electrical contact pad 144 may be attached or applied to the slider mounting side 176 of the suspension arm 140 using any of a variety of techniques, such as adhesive, bonding, printing, sputtering, and the like.

[0061] The slider 142 of the read / write head assembly 110 is configured to support the read / write head 148 at an appropriate flying height above the read / write surface 154. The read / write head 148 is embedded in the slider 142. Although not shown, the slider 142 may include side rails that glide along the read / write surface 154 as the disk 115 rotates relative to the read / write head assembly 110. Alternatively, the slider 142 may include a complex shape, such as a femto slider, configured to predictably position the slider 142 above the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. The slider 142 may be made of any of a variety of materials, such as low friction materials. For example, in one embodiment, the slider 142 is made at least partially of alumina. According to one embodiment, the slider 142 is made of AlTiC and alumina, with the read / write head embedded in the alumina. In some embodiments, the alumina can be applied to the AlTiC via a sputtering technique.

[0062] 4B , according to one embodiment, the slider 142 includes a base 143 having a suspension mounting side 162 that faces the carriage arm 105. In one implementation, the suspension mounting side 162 has a plane that is perpendicular to the read / write surface 154 of the disk 115. In some examples, the entirety of the suspension mounting side 162 is a plane that is perpendicular to the read / write surface 154. Alternatively, in other examples, the suspension mounting side 162 includes surface features, such as a bevel feature or a step feature, such that some portions of the suspension mounting side 162 define a surface that is inclined at an angle of more than 90 degrees relative to the read / write surface 154, such as by a bevel feature, or a surface that is parallel to the read / write surface 154, such as by a step feature.

[0063] The suspension mounting side 162 extends to a non-head side 156 of the base 143 of the slider 142. The non-head side 156 is the side of the base 143 that does not include the read / write head 148 and faces the suspension arm 140 (e.g., faces away from the read / write surface 154). As further defined, the non-head side 156 is the side of the base 143 that is furthest from the read / write surface 154 of the corresponding disk 115. In one embodiment, the non-head side 156 of the slider 142 is approximately parallel to the read / write surface 154. The slider 142 further includes a first slider edge 160 (or corner) defined at the intersection of the non-head side 156 of the base 143 and the suspension mounting side 162. In other words, the first slider edge 160 separates the suspension mounting side 162 from the non-head side 156. In some implementations, the first slider edge 160 is the edge of the base 143 that is furthest from the read / write surface 154 of the corresponding disk 115. Thus, even if features of the suspension mounting side 162, such as bevel features or step features, define an intermediate edge between the head side 158 and non-head side 156 of the base 143, such edge is not the first slider edge.

[0064] The head side 158 of the base 143 is the side of the base 143 that contains or directly supports the read / write head 148 and faces away from the suspension arm 140 (e.g., faces the read / write surface 154). As further defined, the head side 158 of the slider 142 is the side of the slider 142 that is closest to the read / write surface 154 of the corresponding disk 115. In one embodiment, the head side 158 of the base 143 is approximately parallel to the read / write surface 154.

[0065] The slider 142 further includes at least one second electrical contact pad 146 on the suspension mounting side 162 up to the first slider edge 160. In other words, the second electrical contact pad 146 may not cover the entire height of the suspension mounting side 162, but covers at least a portion of the suspension mounting side 162 up to the first slider edge 160. Thus, in some examples, the minimum distance between the first electrical contact pad 144 of the suspension arm 140 and the non-head side 156 of the base 143 is substantially equal to or greater than the minimum distance between the second electrical contact pad 146 and the non-head side 156 of the base 143. In other words, there is no gap between the non-head side 156 of the slider 142 and the first second electrical contact pad 146 along the suspension mounting side 162 (in a direction perpendicular to the read / write surface 154). This zero gap effectively prevents the solder weld 152 from directly contacting the non-electrical contact portions of the slider 142, thus reducing solder induced open conditions.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4B, the second electrical contact pad 146 includes a first portion 341 and a second portion 343. The first portion 341 is on the suspension mounting side 162 of the base 143. The second portion 343 is not in direct contact with the base 143. The second portion 343 may be referred to as a "burr." The second portion 343 is formed as a result of the process of forming the second electrical contact pad 146 on the suspension mounting side 162. In other words, in some examples, the second portion 343 is a remnant of the formation of the second electrical contact pad 146 (specifically, the first portion 341) on the suspension mounting side 162. As shown in FIG. 5B, the second portion 343 includes an edge 553 that is also an edge of the first portion 341. The second portion 343 protrudes from the first portion 341 away from the suspension mounting side 162 at an angle θ relative to the first portion 341. The angle θ is greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the angle θ is less than 30 degrees.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the read / write head assembly 110 includes a solder weld 152. The solder weld 152 is directly coupled to the first electrical contact pad 144 and the second electrical contact pad 146. As shown in FIG. 4B, the solder weld 152 is directly coupled to both the first portion 341 and the second portion 343 of the second electrical contact pad 146. The size and shape of the second portion 343 and / or the angle θ of the second portion 343 relative to the first portion 341 can affect the contact area between the solder weld 152 and the first portion 341, which also affects the connectivity and signal strength between the second electrical contact pad 146 and the first electrical contact pad 144. Improving the connectivity and signal strength between the second electrical contact pad 343 and the first electrical contact pad 341 also helps to improve the connectivity and signal strength between the read / write head 148 and the first electrical contact pad 341. Examples of the present disclosure can promote a shape and / or size of second portion 343 to increase the contact area between first portion 341 and solder weld 152 .

[0068] 5A, in an imaginary plane "AB" substantially parallel to the suspension mounting side 162, the second portion 343 has a width that varies along the length l1 of the second portion 343. For example, the second portion 343 has a width that decreases from the second second portion edge 553 to the first second portion edge 551. The second portion 343 has a minimum width w 2 and maximum width w 4 The first portion 341 also has a width that varies along the length l2 of the first portion 341. For example, the width of the first portion 341 varies from R In the first direction d1 Okeru The first portion 341 has a minimum width w 4 and maximum width w1. As shown in FIG. 5A, in some examples, the second portion 343 has a maximum width w 4 is smaller than the maximum width w1 of the first portion 341. In some examples, the maximum width w 4and maximum width w1 of first portion 341 are both less than 0.01 millimeters ("mm"). In some examples, the maximum value of w1 of first portion 341 is 0.035 mm or greater.

[0069] 5A-18, first portion 341 does not have a constant width. For example, in FIG. 5A, first portion 341 is tapered and has at least three different widths w1, w2, and w3. This helps to reduce the contact area between second portion 343 and solder weld 152 and increase the contact area between first portion 341 and solder weld 152, and therefore the second electrical contact pad. 146 and a first electrical contact pad 144 It helps improve connectivity and signal strength between the

[0070] 5B, in some examples, the second portion 343 includes a first second portion edge 551 and a second second portion edge 553. Each of the first second portion edge 551 and the second second portion edge 553 is substantially straight and parallel to each other. The first second portion edge 551 is a free edge that is not in direct contact with the first portion 341. The first second portion edge 551 is a cantilevered edge with respect to the first portion 341.

[0071] The second second portion edge 553 is defined by a bend in the second electrical contact pad 146 and is also an edge of the first portion 341. The second second portion edge 553 is fixed to the first portion 341 along the bend between the first portion 341 and the second portion 343. The distance between the first portion 341 and the second portion 343 increases along the length of the second portion 343 from the second second portion edge 553 to the first second portion edge 551. The second portion 343 projects away from the first portion at an angle θ such that the first second portion edge 551 is spaced apart from the first portion 341.

[0072] 5A to 18, in some examples, the width w2 of the second second partial edge 553 is greater than the width w4 of the first second partial edge 551. In some examples, the width w4 of the second second partial edge 553 is the maximum width of the second portion 343, and the width w4 of the first second partial edge 551 is the minimum width of the second portion 343.

[0073] The reduced area of ​​the second portion 343 relative to the first portion 341 reduces the contact between the solder weld and the second portion 343 and increases the contact area between the solder weld and the first portion 341. As shown in FIG. 5B, in some examples, the portion 543d of the second portion 343 within the imaginary square 560 is less than 9 / 10 of the portion 541a of the first portion 341 within the imaginary square 560. In some examples, the portion 543a of the second portion 343 within the imaginary square 560 is less than half of the portion 541a of the first portion 341 within the imaginary square 560. The imaginary square 560 is substantially parallel to the imaginary plane “AB” and the suspension mounting side 162 of the base 143 and is projected onto the slider 142.

[0074] The imaginary square 560 is defined by at least a first side 568, a second side 569, a third side 571, and a fourth side 573. The first side 568 of the imaginary square 560 is substantially aligned with the first side 555 of the first portion 341. For example, the first side 568 of the imaginary square 560 is an extension of the first side 555 of the first portion 341. The second side 569 of the imaginary square 560 is perpendicular to the first side 555 of the first portion 341 and the first side 568 of the imaginary square 560. The second side 569 is aligned with the first second portion edge 551. The third side 571 of the imaginary square 560 is parallel to the second side 569 of the imaginary square 560 and aligned with the second second portion edge 553 of the second portion 343.

[0075] In some examples, both the first portion 341 and the second portion 343 are substantially symmetrical about the centerline 582 of the second electrical contact pad 146, as shown in Figures 5-8 and 13-18. In some examples, the second portion 343 is symmetrical about the centerline 582, while the first portion 341 is asymmetrical about the centerline 582, as shown in Figures 9-11. In some examples, both the second portion 343 and the first portion 341 are asymmetrical about the centerline 582, as shown in Figure 12.

[0076] As shown in Figures 3-6, 8-13, and 15-18, in some examples, both the first portion 341 and the second portion 343 include substantially straight edges. As shown in Figures 5A-B, 6, 8-11, and 15-18, the second portion 343 is substantially trapezoidal in shape. As shown in Figures 7 and 14, in some examples, both the first portion 341 and the second portion 343 are at least partially curved. For example, as shown in Figure 7, the second portion 343 has a semi-elliptical shape. As shown in Figure 14, the second portion 343 is semi-circular in shape.

[0077] 13, in some examples, the at least one second electrical contact pad 146 includes two or more second portions 343a and 343b. Each of the second portions 343a and 343b share at least one edge 553. Each of the second portions 343a and 343b protrudes from the first portion 341 away from the suspension mounting side 162 at an angle θ relative to the first portion 341. In some examples, each of the second portions 343a and 343b protrudes from the first portion 341 at a different angle. For example, the second portion 343 includes two or more trapezoidal shaped portions 343a and 343b.

[0078] 8-10, in some examples, the first portion 341 includes one or more slits 892. In some examples, the slits 892 are located in a portion of the first portion 341 that is less likely to contact the solder weld 152. The slits 892 can reduce the material used for the second electrical contact pad 146, which can help reduce the weight of the slider 142. The slits 892 are located so as not to affect the shape of the second portion 343 when the second portion 343 is formed. For example, the slits 892 are located away from the position of the second edge 553 of the second portion 343. In some examples, the slits 892 are formed by etching. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, each of the slits 892 extends from a side 956 of the first portion 341, extends toward the centerline 582, and / or intersects with the centerline 582. As shown in FIG. 9, in some examples, the first portion 341 includes only a single slit 892, as opposed to the multiple slits 892 shown in FIGS.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 15-18, in some examples, the second electrical contact pad 146 includes an anti-wetting layer 1502 disposed over at least the first portion 341. The anti-wetting layer 1502 is shaped and positioned so as not to interfere with contact between the solder weld 152 and the first portion 341. The anti-wetting layer 1502 is applied prior to a reflow process and helps to control the flow of the solder material during the reflow process. The anti-wetting layer 1502 is made of a material with low surface energy including at least one of a fluorocarbon, such as a hydrogenated fluorocarbon ("HFC"), a diamond, such as a fluorine doped diamond ("FDO"), a polymer, such as a perfluoropolyether ("PFPE"), or any combination thereof.

[0080] 15-18, the wetting prevention layer 1502 does not necessarily completely cover the first portion 341. In some examples, the wetting prevention layer 1502 has a maximum width equal to the maximum width w1 of the first portion 341. In other examples, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the wetting prevention layer 1502 has a maximum width w5 that is greater than the maximum width w1 of the first portion 341.

[0081] 15, the anti-wetting layer 1502 is substantially rectangular in shape and extends across the first portion 341. In some examples, the anti-wetting layer 1502 covers less than half of the area of ​​the first portion 341. With reference to FIG. 16, the anti-wetting layer 1502 is substantially rectangular in shape. With reference to FIGS. 16 and 18, the anti-wetting layer 1502 covers at least ⅓ of the area of ​​the first portion 341.

[0082] The solder weld 152 is made of any of a variety of soldering materials. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the solder weld can take the form of a solder ball. However, examples of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some examples, the solder weld 152 is a solder fillet. In the case of a solder ball, in some examples, the radius R of the solder weld 152 is greater than the distance D2 between the non-head side 156 of the slider 142 and the second electrical contact pad 146. In this manner, the solder weld 152 is less likely to contact the body of the slider 142 and cause an open connection. In one example, the radius R of the solder ball is about 40 μm or less.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 3, the slider 142 includes a plurality of second electrical contact pads 146 spaced apart from one another on the slider attachment side 162 of the base 143 in a direction parallel to the read / write surface 154. In one embodiment, the slider 142 includes at least 12 second electrical contact pads 146 spaced apart from one another. In another embodiment, the slider 142 includes at least 13 electrical contact pads 146 spaced apart from one another. As shown in FIG. 3, the magnetic storage device 100 includes a plurality of solder welds 152. Each of the plurality of solder welds 152 is coupled to a second electrical contact pad 146 of the plurality of second electrical contact pads 146. In one embodiment, the magnetic storage device 100 includes at least 12 solder welds 152 spaced apart from one another and each contacting a second electrical contact pad 146 of the plurality of second electrical contact pads 146 of the same slider 142.

[0084] In some examples, the suspension arm 140 includes a plurality of first electrical contact pads 144 that are spaced apart from one another in a direction that is parallel to the direction in which the plurality of second electrical contact pads 146 are spaced apart and parallel to the read / write surface 154. In one embodiment, the suspension arm 140 includes at least twelve first electrical contact pads 144 that are spaced apart from one another.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 19, a method 1900 of manufacturing a magnetic storage device 100 includes step 1902 of forming at least one second electrical contact pad 146 on a base 143 of a slider 142. The second electrical contact pad 146 is formed on the base 143 (step 1902) such that a first portion 341 has a width (e.g., w1 or w3) that is greater than a width (e.g., w2 or w4) of a second portion 343 of the second electrical contact pad 146. For example, the second electrical contact pad 146 is formed on the base 143 (step 1902) in a substantially rectangular shape and then etched into a more tapered shape, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8-13, and 15-18. Alternatively, the second electrical contact pad 146 is etched into a curved shape, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 14. The second portion 343, or burr, formed as a result of shaping the first portion 341 in this manner is influenced by the shape of the first portion 341. For example, as shown in Figures 5, 6, 8-13, and 15-18, a first portion 341 having a substantially straight edge results in a second portion 343 having a trapezoidal and / or triangular shape. As shown in Figures 7 and 14, a first portion 341 that is curved results in a second portion 343 that is curved.

[0086] As a result of the complete method of manufacturing the magnetic storage device 100, the second portion 343 protrudes from the first portion, away from the base 143 of the slider 142, at an angle θ relative to the base 143 of the slider 142 and the first portion 341, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0087] The method 1900 includes a step 1904 of soldering at least one first electrical contact pad 144 of the suspension arm 140 to at least one second electrical contact pad 146 of the slider 142 via at least one solder weld 150 (such as a solder ball 150 as shown in FIGS. 5A-5B ). The solder weld 150 reflows over at least a portion of the first portion 341 and the second portion 343 of the at least one second electrical contact pad 146.

[0088] In the above description, certain terms may be used, such as "up", "down", "above", "below", "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "above", "below". These terms are used where applicable to clarify the description when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, a "top" surface can become a "bottom" surface simply by flipping the object over. The object is still the same object. Furthermore, the terms "including", "comprising", "having" and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and / or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an", and "the" also refer to "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise. Furthermore, the term "plurality" can be defined as "at least two".

[0089] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured" to perform a specified function does not merely have the potential to perform the specified function after further modification, but can certainly perform the specified function without any modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured" to perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, realized, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform the specified function. As used herein, "configured" refers to the existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is described as "configured" to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as "adapted" and / or "operable" to perform that function.

[0090] Also, examples herein of one element being "coupled" to another element can include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element being coupled to another element and being in some contact. Indirect coupling can be defined as a coupling where the two elements are not in direct contact with each other, but there are one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Furthermore, as used herein, fixing one element to another element can include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Also, as used herein, "adjacent" does not necessarily mean in contact. For example, one element can be adjacent to another element without contacting it.

[0091] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of," when used in conjunction with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of the items in the list may be required. The items may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, "at least one of" means that any combination or number of items from the list may be used, but not all items in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may mean "item A," "item A and item B," "item B," "item A, item B, and item C," or "item B and item C." In some cases, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may mean, for example, but not limited to, "two item A, one item B, and ten item C," "four item B, and seven item C," or other suitable combinations.

[0092] Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose any sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which they refer. Furthermore, a reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or exclude the presence of, for example, a "first" or lower numbered item, and / or, for example, a "third" or higher numbered item.

[0093] The schematic flow chart diagrams included herein are generally presented as logical flow chart diagrams. Thus, the depicted order and labeled steps represent one embodiment of the method presented. Other steps and methods may be envisioned that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more steps or portions thereof of the depicted method. It is also understood that the format and symbols used are provided to interpret the logical steps of the method and are not intended to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types and line types may be used in the flow chart diagrams, it is understood that they are not intended to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the method. For example, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between the recited steps of the depicted method. Also, the order in which a particular method occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of the corresponding steps depicted.

[0094] Some of the functional units described herein have been labeled as modules to more specifically emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in a programmable hardware device such as a field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, programmable logic device, or the like.

[0095] Modules may also be implemented in software for execution by various types of processors. An identified module of computer readable program code may comprise one or more physical or logical blocks of computer instructions, which may be organized as, for example, an object, a procedure, or a function. However, the executable files of an identified module need not be physically located in the same location, but may comprise different instructions stored in different locations that, when logically linked, constitute the module and achieve the intended purpose of the module.

[0096] In practice, a module of computer readable program code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may be distributed over several different code segments, among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein in a module, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized in any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or distributed over different locations, including different storage devices, and may exist, at least in part, simply as electronic signals over a system or network. If a module or portions of a module are implemented in software, the computer readable program code may be stored and / or propagated to one or more computer readable medium(s).

[0097] The computer readable medium may be a tangible computer readable storage medium that stores computer readable program code, such as, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0098] More specific examples of computer readable media include, but are not limited to, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memories (RAMs), read only memories (ROMs), erasable programmable read only memories (EPROMs or flash memories), portable compact disk read only memories (CD-ROMs), digital versatile disks (DVDs), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, holographic storage media, micromechanical storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain and / or store computer readable program code for use by and / or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0099] A computer-readable medium may also be a computer-readable signal medium. A computer-readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal in which computer-readable program code is embodied, for example in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including but not limited to electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable signal medium may be any computer-readable medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium and can communicate, propagate, or transfer computer-readable program code used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer-readable program code embodied on a computer-readable signal medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic cable, radio frequency (RF), etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0100] In one embodiment, the computer readable medium may include a combination of one or more computer readable storage media and one or more computer readable signal media. For example, computer readable program code may be propagated as an electromagnetic signal over fiber optic cable for execution by a processor and stored in RAM storage for execution by the processor.

[0101] Computer readable program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0102] The subject matter of the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A magnetic disk; a carriage arm rotatably movable relative to the magnetic disk; A suspension arm fixed to the carriage arm so as to be movable together with the carriage arm, the suspension arm comprising: Slider mounting side, and At least one first electrical contact pad on the slider attachment side The suspension arm, A slider fixed to the suspension arm so as to be movable together with the suspension arm, the slider comprising: the base having a suspension mounting side, a non-head side facing the suspension arm and intersecting the suspension mounting side at a first slider edge of the base, and a head side opposite the non-head side and facing away from the suspension arm, the suspension mounting side extending between the non-head side and the head side of the base; attached to the suspension mounting side of the base, a first portion of the base at the suspension mounting side; and at least one second electrical contact pad including a second portion projecting from the first portion away from the suspension mounting side at an angle relative to the first portion and having a maximum width in an imaginary plane substantially parallel to the suspension mounting side, the maximum width of the second portion being less than a maximum width of the first portion in the imaginary plane. The slider including: at least one solder weld directly coupled to the at least one first electrical contact pad and the at least one second electrical contact pad; a read / write head coupled to the head side of the base; 4. A magnetic storage device comprising:

2. the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad further includes a first second portion edge and a second second portion edge, and a portion of the second portion within an imaginary square parallel to the suspension mounting side of the base and projected onto the slider is smaller than 9 / 10 of a portion of the first portion within the imaginary square; a first side of the imaginary square is aligned with a first side of the first portion; a second side of the imaginary square is perpendicular to the first side and aligned with the first edge of the second portion; 2 . The magnetic storage device of claim 1 , wherein a third side of the imaginary square is parallel to the second side and aligned with the second edge of the second portion.

3. 3. The magnetic storage device according to claim 2, wherein the portion of the second portion within the virtual square is smaller than half the portion of the first portion within the virtual square.

4. 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein the solder weld is further directly coupled to the first portion and the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad.

5. a width of the first portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad varies along a length of the first portion; a width of the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad varies along a length of the second portion.

2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1.

6. the width of the first portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad increases along the length of the first portion in a first direction away from the non-head side of the base; the width of the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad decreases along the length of the second portion in the first direction away from the non-head side of the base.

6. The magnetic storage device according to claim 5.

7. The magnetic storage device of claim 5 , wherein the first portion is symmetrical.

8. The magnetic storage device of claim 5 , wherein the first portion is asymmetric.

9. the suspension arm includes at least twelve first electrical contact pads on the slider attachment side; the at least one first electrical contact pad comprises an electrical contact pad of the at least twelve first electrical contact pads; the slider includes at least twelve second electrical contact pads; the at least one second electrical contact pad comprises an electrical contact pad of the at least twelve second electrical contact pads; the magnetic storage device includes at least twelve welds directly coupled to corresponding ones of the at least twelve first electrical contact pads and the at least twelve second electrical contact pads, 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1.

10. the second portion further includes a first second portion edge and a second second portion edge; the first second portion edge is spaced from the first portion; the second portion edge is adjacent to the first portion along a bend between the first portion and the second portion; 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1.

11. the first second portion edge has a width in the virtual plane that is smaller than the maximum width of the second portion; a width of the second portion edge is equal to the maximum width of the second portion; The magnetic storage device according to claim 10.

12. The magnetic storage device of claim 10 , wherein the first and second partial edges are curved.

13. 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1, wherein the first portion includes at least one slit extending from a side of the first portion toward a center line of the first portion.

14. 1. A read / write head assembly for a magnetic storage device, comprising: Slider mounting side, and At least one first electrical contact pad on the slider attachment side a suspension arm including: A slider fixed to the suspension arm so as to be movable together with the suspension arm, the slider comprising: the base having a suspension mounting side, a non-head side facing the suspension arm and intersecting the suspension mounting side at a first slider edge of the base, and a head side opposite the non-head side and facing away from the suspension arm, the suspension mounting side extending between the non-head side and the head side of the base; attached to the suspension mounting side of the base, a first portion of the base at the suspension mounting side; and at least one second electrical contact pad including a second portion projecting from the first portion away from the suspension mounting side at an angle relative to the first portion and having a maximum width in an imaginary plane substantially parallel to the suspension mounting side, the maximum width of the second portion being less than a maximum width of the first portion in the imaginary plane. The slider including: at least one solder weld directly coupled to the at least one first electrical contact pad and the at least one second contact pad; a read / write head coupled to the head side of the base; The read / write head assembly comprising:

15. The read / write head assembly of claim 14 , wherein the second portion has a semicircular shape.

16. The read / write head assembly of claim 14 , wherein the second portion has a trapezoidal shape.

17. The read / write head assembly of claim 14 , wherein the at least one second electrical contact pad further includes an additional second portion that protrudes from the first portion away from the suspension mounting side at an angle relative to the first portion.

18. The read / write head assembly of claim 14 , wherein the at least one second electrical contact pad further comprises an anti-wetting layer disposed on the first portion.

19. The read / write head assembly of claim 18 , wherein the anti-wetting layer has a maximum width that is greater than the maximum width of the first portion.

20. A method of manufacturing a magnetic storage device, comprising the steps of: a width of a first portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad is greater than a width of a second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad; such that the second portion projects from the first portion away from the base of the slider at an angle relative to the first portion and the base of the slider. forming the at least one second electrical contact pad on the base of the slider; soldering at least one first electrical contact pad of a suspension arm to the at least one second electrical contact pad of the slider via at least one solder ball such that the solder ball reflows onto at least a portion of the first portion and at least a portion of the second portion of the at least one second electrical contact pad; The method comprising:

Images