Disk Drive Base Member with Casting Information Mark
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing of base members for disk drive apparatuses, it is difficult to identify issues in the casting process early on, leading to reduced yield and increased costs due to nonconforming items, especially when sealing gases like helium with low density, where airtightness is critical.
Innovation Solution
A base member with a cast body, an information mark containing casting information, and an insulating coating layer is used, where the information mark is engraved on the surface before coating, allowing for easy identification of casting parameters that may cause abnormalities, enabling timely adjustments to improve process quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dimensional inspection and airtightness inspection are performed after inner surface processing and outer surface processing, then manufacturing completeness is improved, but problem detection timing is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by marking the base body with casting information (such as mold cavity identifiers, casting parameters, or batch numbers) before subsequent processing steps. This allows traceability of casting origins and enables early identification of problematic casts without waiting for final inspections, thus detecting issues earlier in the manufacturing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by recording and storing casting information associated with each base body, then using this information to trace back the source of any detected defects. When dimensional or airtightness failures occur, the stored casting information provides immediate feedback about the origin, enabling rapid identification and correction of casting process issues.
2Measurement precision
If casting information is recorded and traced, then problem identification accuracy is improved, but information management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a simplified record (marking) of the casting information on the base body itself or its packaging. Instead of implementing a complex real-time tracking system, the patent uses static copies of casting identifiers that can be easily read and traced later, reducing information management complexity while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the form of information representation by using physical markings (such as engravings, tags, or color codes) on the base body to represent casting parameters. This transforms abstract casting data into tangible, easily readable markers that simplify information retrieval and reduce the complexity of information management systems.
3Reliability
If nonconforming products are eliminated after manufacturing, then product quality is improved, but yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by marking base bodies with casting information immediately after casting, before any processing or assembly. This early marking enables quick identification and isolation of potentially defective items later in the process, allowing for targeted rework or disposal only of affected units rather than scrapping entire batches, thus preserving yield while maintaining quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where casting information is used to trace the origin of defects back to specific casting conditions or molds. This enables corrective actions to be taken at the casting process level, preventing recurrence of the same defects and improving overall yield by reducing the rate of nonconforming products rather than simply eliminating them after production.
Data Source
AI summary
A base member is structured to define a portion of a casing in which a gas with a density lower than that of air is to be sealed and to support a motor to be housed in the casing. The base member includes a base body made of a cast material, an information mark, and an insulating coating layer. The information mark includes casting information and is located on a portion of a surface of the base body. The insulating coating layer is defined on the surface of the base body and covers the information mark.