Adjustable Disk Stabilizer for Spinstand Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spinstands face difficulties in quickly and efficiently reconfiguring to test magnetic disks of varying thicknesses and diameters due to complex alignment requirements, leading to time-consuming and costly setup processes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable disk stabilizer with a resiliently coupled plate support element and cap screws allows for simple adjustment of the bearing surface gap and diameter to accommodate different disk sizes, enabling rapid reconfiguration by replacing the disk stabilizer plate and adjusting cap screws for each disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a parallel configuration with shims and fine adjustments is used to establish a consistent bearing surface gap, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and setup time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment structure is segmented into modular components: a support plate with preset gap features, adjustable support elements (shims or threaded adjusters), and a stabilizer plate. This segmentation allows the complex alignment task to be divided into simpler, independent adjustment steps, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is pre-configured with gap features (such as preset thicknesses or machined reference surfaces) that establish the correct bearing surface gap before the disk is installed. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during setup, reducing both device complexity and setup time while ensuring manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire assembly is reconfigured to accommodate different disk thicknesses and diameters, then adaptability is improved, but setup time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamically adjustable elements such as threaded adjusters or movable shims that can be quickly repositioned for different disk configurations. This dynamic capability allows the same assembly to adapt to various disk thicknesses and diameters without complete reconfiguration, significantly improving reconfiguration speed while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable parameters (such as shim thickness, support element position, or plate spacing) that can be modified to accommodate different disk specifications. By changing these parameters rather than reconfiguring the entire assembly, the system achieves high adaptability while minimizing setup time and maximizing productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple alignment elements including shims are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and consolidates the essential alignment function into a single integrated support plate with preset gap features, removing the need for multiple separate alignment elements and complex shim stacking procedures. This extraction maintains manufacturing precision while dramatically simplifying the operation and setup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides mechanical support, establishes the bearing surface gap, and ensures proper alignment. This universal component replaces multiple specialized alignment elements, maintaining precision while improving ease of operation through a single, integrated solution.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces setup time and effort, allowing for efficient testing of disks with varying thicknesses and diameters by maintaining a consistent and uniform air bearing gap, thereby enhancing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of magnetic data recording device testing.
Implementation Method 1
an air bearing is established between the planar underside of the disk-under-test and the bearing surface, providing a high degree of mechanical stability
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable disk stabilizer for a spinstand having a spindle motor and spindle assembly for supporting and rotating a magnetic medium bearing disk. The spinstand is adapted to position a transducing (read/write) head adjacent to the magnetic medium. The adjustable disk stabilizer is attached to a stationary portion of the spindle assembly, and includes a mechanism to adjust height and alignment of a plate having a bearing surface opposite a non-magnetic-media-bearing undersurface of the disk. That bearing surface, in concert with the undersurface of the disk, establishes a supporting air bearing therebetween during rotation of the media-bearing disk. The adjustment mechanism enables easily-attained compensation for various disk-to-disk thicknesses and level imperfections of the bearing surface plate mounting, and enables precision alignment of the bearing surface of the plate to the surface of the disk opposite to the surface under test.