Disk Drive Suspension Flexure with Variable Thickness Electrode Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk drive suspensions face reliability issues due to stress buildup and potential cracking, particularly when attached to arms via caulking processes or subjected to vibrations, which can affect the positioning accuracy and longevity of the magnetic head.
Innovation Solution
A suspension design featuring a plate member with specific penetration portions, an actuator mounted on the second surface, and a flexure with electrode connection portions and wiring reinforcement, where the second penetration portion is located distally to the first, and an adhesive material is used between the plate member and the actuator, enhancing stress relaxation and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the base plate is attached to the arm by a caulking process using a ball or when subjected to vibration, then the suspension can be assembled and positioned, but stress increases and cracks may occur in the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into multiple sections with through-holes created in specific regions. These segmentation features allow stress distribution and prevent stress concentration at the actuator mounting areas, thereby preventing cracks while maintaining assembly integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive material is introduced as an intermediary between the base plate and the actuator. This adhesive layer absorbs and distributes stress, preventing direct stress transmission to the actuator and eliminating the risk of cracks during vibration and assembly operations
2Measurement precision
If the head gimbal assembly is downsized to cope with high recording density, then positioning accuracy improves, but stress concentration and cracking risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed with non-uniform thickness and localized through-hole patterns in specific regions. This local quality variation allows the structure to maintain compact dimensions for high positioning accuracy while creating stress relief zones that prevent cracking in the downsized assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive material is applied in advance between the base plate and actuator to cushion and absorb stress before it can cause cracking. This preemptive stress absorption protects the compact head gimbal assembly from vibration-induced cracks while maintaining the downsized configuration for high recording 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 proposed configuration improves the reliability of the disk drive suspension by reducing stress concentrations and preventing cracking, thereby enhancing the positioning accuracy and longevity of the magnetic head.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive material is used between the plate member and the actuator
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension for a disk drive includes a plate member having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first penetration portion penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second penetration portion spaced from the first penetration portion and penetrating the first surface and the second surface, an actuator provided on the second surface and having an electrode located in the first penetration portion, and a flexure having an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode. The electrode connection portion includes a first region and a second region having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first region, and the second region overlaps the second penetration portion.