Bent Tail Terminal Overlap Structure for Reliable ACF Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing terminal connection portions in disk drives face challenges in securely connecting tail terminals and board terminals due to insufficient pressurization caused by the exposed tail terminals and covered conductors, leading to potential connection errors.
Innovation Solution
The proposed terminal connection portion includes a first terminal with a base portion, a bent portion, and an overlapping portion, where the connecting conductive member, such as an anisotropic conductive film (ACF), is disposed between the overlapping portion and the second terminal, ensuring reliable pressurization and connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of tail terminals is increased to accommodate more conductors and disks, then the data recording capacity increases, but the terminal size must be reduced and arrangement density increases, making secure connection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal connection portion extends in the width direction beyond the cover layer, creating an overlapping region that protrudes laterally. This dimensional extension provides additional connection area and improves pressurization without increasing terminal height, allowing reliable connections even with reduced terminal size and increased density.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal connection portion has different structural characteristics in different regions: the base portion is covered by the cover layer for insulation, while the overlapping portion extends beyond the cover layer to provide exposed connection surfaces. This local differentiation allows the terminal to simultaneously maintain electrical insulation and provide reliable electrical connection.
2Device complexity
If the tail terminals are made with the same height as conductors (not covered by cover layer), then the terminal structure is simplified, but pressurization becomes insufficient or variable leading to connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing terminal height in the thickness direction, the invention extends the terminal in the width direction to create an overlapping portion that protrudes beyond the cover layer. This lateral extension provides sufficient pressurization area and consistent contact pressure without complicating the terminal's vertical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping portion acts as an intermediary connection region between the covered conductor portion and the external connection interface. It provides a dedicated area for receiving connecting conductive members and board terminals, ensuring reliable pressurization and electrical connection while maintaining the simplicity of the overall terminal structure.
3Ease of operation
If the tail terminals are exposed without cover layer, then the connecting process is more accessible, but pressurization varies or becomes insufficient causing connection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure differentiates between covered and exposed regions: the base portion is covered for insulation while the overlapping portion is exposed for connection. This local quality differentiation ensures that pressurization is applied to the correct exposed area, maintaining both connection reliability and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The overlapping portion serves as an intermediary zone that is specifically designed for connection operations. It provides a controlled exposed area that facilitates consistent pressurization and connection while the rest of the terminal remains protected by the cover layer, ensuring reliable electrical connection without compromising accessibility.
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 allows for secure and reliable electrical connections between the tail terminals and board terminals, preventing connection errors and ensuring stable operation in disk drives with increasing numbers of disks and conductors.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting conductive member fixes and electrically connects the overlapping portion and the second terminal to each other
Implementation Method 2
The ACF is placed between the tail terminal and the board terminal. While maintaining this condition, the ACF is pressurized and heated. As a result, the tail terminal and the board terminal are electrically connected to each other with the ACF interposed therebetween, and both are fixed to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A first terminal provided on a tail pad portion includes a base portion, a bent portion and an overlapping portion. The base portion includes a first surface fixed to a base insulating layer and a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface. The bent portion is reversed in a thickness direction of the base portion from an end of the base portion towards the second surface. The overlapping portion extends from the bent portion in a direction along the second surface. An anisotropic conductive film (ACF) is disposed between the overlapping portion and the second terminal. The overlapping portion and the second terminal are connected to each other via the ACF.