Bent Terminal Connection Structure for Dense HDD Tail Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing density of data in hard disk drives leads to a need for more suspensions and conductors, resulting in longer tail pad portions, which are restricted by limited space, making it difficult to provide a large number of terminals without risking electric short circuits due to reduced terminal size and proximity.
Innovation Solution
A terminal connection portion with first and second circuit members featuring bent portions and conductive members, where terminals are connected via solder bumps, allowing for reduced terminal length and preventing short circuits by maintaining an insulating distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of tail terminals is increased to accommodate higher data density, then the terminal connection portion becomes longer, but the available space inside the disk drive is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of terminals to a three-dimensional configuration by bending the circuit member. The tail pad portion is folded back onto itself, allowing terminals to be arranged in multiple layers and positions in the thickness direction, thereby increasing terminal capacity without extending the length of the tail pad portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the tail pad portion is folded back onto itself, creating overlapping layers. Terminals are positioned in different layers, with some terminals on the first surface and others on the second surface, allowing compact nesting of multiple terminals within a reduced footprint.
2Quantity of substance
If the size of each tail terminal is reduced to fit more terminals, then more terminals can be provided in the tail pad portion, but the connection to circuit board terminals via conductive members becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the thickness direction through bending, the patent provides vertical separation between terminals that would otherwise be crowded in a planar arrangement. This dimensional change allows adequate spacing for conductive member connection while maintaining a high terminal count within the limited planar footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the terminal arrangement into multiple segments or groups positioned at different locations and orientations on the first and second surfaces. This segmentation allows each terminal to have sufficient space for connection while collectively accommodating a large number of terminals.
3Quantity of substance
If the distance between adjacent terminals is decreased to fit more terminals, then more terminals can be provided, but electric short circuit prevention becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bending of the circuit member creates separation in the thickness direction between terminals that are adjacent in the planar view. This vertical separation, combined with the insulating properties of the base insulating layer and cover layer, prevents electric short circuits while allowing terminals to be positioned closer together in the planar dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The base insulating layer and cover layer serve as intermediary insulating structures between adjacent terminals and between conductive members. These layers maintain electrical isolation even when terminals are positioned in close proximity, preventing short circuits while enabling high terminal density.
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 solution effectively reduces the length of the terminal connection portion and prevents electric short circuits, enabling a higher density of terminals within the limited space of hard disk drives while ensuring reliable connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first terminal and the first board side terminal are connected to each other by a first conductive member. The second terminal and the second board side terminal are connected to each other by a second conductive member.
Data Source
AI summary
A first bent portion and a second bent portion are provided in a first circuit member. The first bent potion includes a vertical portion and a lateral portion. The second bent portion is bent on a side opposite to the first bent potion. A first terminal is provided in the first bent potion. A second terminal is provided in the second bent potion. A protrusion portion is inserted into an opening. A first board side terminal is provided on a first surface of the second circuit member. A second board side terminal is provided on a second surface. The first terminal and the first board side terminal are connected to each other by a first conductive member. The second terminal and the second board side terminal are connected to each other by a second conductive member.