Color Coded Glass Disc Spacer for Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disc spacers in data storage devices require costly and contaminant-prone printed indicia for component marking, which can lead to particulate contamination and increased processing expenses in high-volume manufacturing environments.
Innovation Solution
Color-coded glass disc spacers with specific dimensions corresponding to unique colors, eliminating the need for printed indicia by using an optical detector to verify correct spacer selection and installation based on stored data structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If printed indicia are used on disc spacers for component marking, then component identification is achieved, but particulate contamination increases and processing expenses rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded glass disc spacers where different colors correspond to different spacer dimensions. This eliminates the need for printed indicia while providing clear visual identification. The color is inherent to the glass material itself, not a separate marking layer, thus preventing particulate contamination from printed materials while maintaining component identification capability.
2Loss of information
If printed indicia are used on disc spacers for component marking, then component identification is achieved, but processing expenses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates costly printed indicia by incorporating color directly into the glass disc spacer material. Different colors correspond to different spacer dimensions, providing inherent identification without requiring additional marking processes. This reduces processing expenses while maintaining component identification capability.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If color-coded glass spacers are used instead of printed indicia, then particulate contamination is reduced, but detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/chemical marking systems (printed indicia) with an optical system (color-coded glass). The color is detected using non-contact optical methods, which are actually simpler than handling and verifying printed markings. The optical detection system reads the inherent color property of the glass without requiring physical contact or complex processing.
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 reduces contamination risks, processing costs, and ensures accurate component installation by using color-coded glass spacers that are easily identifiable, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing particulate generation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector is configured to detect the color of each disc spacer grasped by the end effector
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for supporting a data recording medium adjacent a spindle motor hub. In some embodiments, an annular disc spacer has a plurality of nominal dimensions and is formed of a glass material and at least one additive to provide the disc spacer with a selected color. The color of the disc spacer is selected responsive to at least one of the plurality of nominal dimension of the disc spacer. The color may have a wavelength in the human detectable range of from about 350 nanometers, nm to about 700 nm.