Disk Drive Base Casting with Recessed Pivot Post
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk drive bases manufactured by forging have high strength but are not suitable for mass production due to time-consuming processes, while casting methods require precise definition of pivot posts and sufficient strength to withstand head movement.
Innovation Solution
A casting-based base with a recessed portion and projecting portions is used, facilitating accurate definition of pivot posts and maintaining rigidity, allowing for high productivity and accurate head movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If forging is used to manufacture the base, then the base has high strength, but the manufacturing process takes much time and is not suitable for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from forging to casting, fundamentally altering the production process parameters. This enables mass production while maintaining the required strength through optimized casting parameters and mold design, resolving the contradiction between strength and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The base is divided into multiple parts including the bottom plate, side walls, and pivot post, which are formed through segmented casting processes. This allows for complex geometries to be achieved through modular casting rather than time-consuming forging operations
2Productivity
If casting is used to manufacture the base, then productivity is improved, but the pivot post cannot be defined with high accuracy and the base end portion lacks sufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The mold is designed with preliminary features including a pivot post cavity and reinforcing ribs that are formed before the casting process. This preliminary mold configuration ensures that the pivot post is defined with high accuracy and the base end portion has sufficient strength from the outset, eliminating the need for post-processing
3Productivity
If casting is used to manufacture the base, then productivity is improved, but the base end portion of the pivot post and its vicinity need sufficient strength to withstand head swing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality enhancement by adding reinforcing ribs and thickening the base end portion specifically at locations where high strength is required to withstand head swing forces. The rest of the base maintains optimized casting characteristics, achieving local reinforcement without compromising overall productivity
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 enables high-accuracy definition of pivot posts and maintains the necessary rigidity to support head movement, addressing the limitations of forging and improving productivity in disk drive apparatus manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
provision of the recessed portion facilitates a flow of a molten metal into the pivot post when the base is cast
Implementation Method 2
provision of the at least one projecting portion adjacent to the recessed portion reduces a reduction in rigidity of a base end portion of the pivot post and its vicinity
Data Source
AI summary
A base of a disk drive apparatus includes a bottom plate portion, a pivot post, and a recessed portion. A lower surface of the bottom plate portion includes a first lower surface and a second lower surface. The first lower surface is arranged to extend perpendicularly to the first and second axes on a side of the recessed portion on which the first axis lies. The second lower surface is arranged to extend perpendicularly to the first and second axes on an opposite side of the recessed portion with respect to the first axis and at a level higher than that of the first lower surface. The first lower surface includes a projecting portion arranged adjacent to the recessed portion, and arranged to project in a direction away from the first axis.