Disk Drive Suspension Welding Slit Design for Vibration Control

The patent extracts the problematic weld portions from the critical area near the roots of outrigger portions. By positioning weld portions away from the sag bend portion and outrigger roots, the design eliminates the adverse thermal effects and mechanical interference that deteriorate vibration characteristics, while still achieving secure attachment through alternative welding locations on the load beam and flexure.

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by carefully selecting welding locations that are remote from critical structural features. This intermediary positioning allows laser spot welding to maintain its high productivity while avoiding the generation of thermal stress in areas that would affect the profile precision and vibration characteristics of the outrigger portions.

The patent segments the load beam structure into distinct functional zones: the sag bend portion maintains structural flexibility in its region, while weld portions are placed in separate, non-interfering locations. This segmentation allows each component (sag bend and weld portions) to perform its function independently without mutual interference, resolving the conflict between structural flexibility and ease of manufacture.