Amorphous Glass Spacer Surface Texture for HDD Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ring-shaped spacers in hard disk drive (HDD) apparatuses often result in removal failures when trying to separate them from magnetic disks, leading to the generation of minute particles that can impair the long-term reliability of the HDD due to increased friction and adhesion, especially when multiple disks are installed.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped spacer with a maximum surface roughness Rz of at least 1.5 μm on its outer circumferential edge, made of amorphous glass, featuring grooves and a conductive film to enhance grip and reduce static electricity, is designed to facilitate easy removal and minimize particle generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the magnetic disks and spacers are strongly pressed in the axial direction to come into close contact, then the magnetic disks are precisely arranged and kept spaced apart, but the spacers adhere to the magnetic disks making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is designed with different surface roughness characteristics at different locations: the outer circumferential edge surface has a maximum height surface roughness Rz of at least 1.5 μm to reduce adhesion and facilitate removal, while the main surfaces maintain smoothness for precise positioning and contact with magnetic disks. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between secure mounting and easy removal.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of magnetic disks installed in the HDD apparatus is increased, then the storage capacity is increased, but the number of spacers to be removed increases and removal failures are more likely to occur
Solution Approach 1:
By providing the outer circumferential edge surface with increased surface roughness (Rz ≥ 1.5 μm) while keeping main surfaces smooth, the spacer reduces adhesion force at the removal interface. This allows reliable removal of spacers even when multiple magnetic disks are installed, preventing removal failures and particle generation while maintaining high storage capacity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the outer circumferential edge surface of the spacer is made smooth, then the spacer can be easily manufactured, but removal failures occur and minute particles are generated due to increased friction and adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer design specifies that the outer circumferential edge surface should have a maximum height surface roughness Rz of at least 1.5 μm, which can be achieved through conventional manufacturing processes like grinding or polishing. This localized surface treatment facilitates easy removal without requiring complex manufacturing steps, while the main surfaces remain smooth for precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface roughness parameter of the outer circumferential edge surface from the conventional smooth finish to a controlled roughness level (Rz ≥ 1.5 μm). This parameter change reduces the adhesion force between the spacer and magnetic disk, enabling reliable removal while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.
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
The spacer effectively suppresses removal failures and reduces the generation of foreign particles, ensuring the long-term reliability of HDD apparatuses by providing a suitable surface texture and conductivity to prevent static-induced issues.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive film is formed on a surface of the spacer
Implementation Method 2
A maximum height surface roughness Rz of an outer circumferential edge surface of the spacer is at least 1.5 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A ring-shaped spacer is to be arranged in contact with a magnetic disk in a hard disk drive apparatus. A maximum height surface roughness Rz of an outer circumferential edge surface of the spacer is at least 1.5 μm, and the spacer is made of amorphous glass.