Dual Laser Jointing for Disc Drive Suspension Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional jointing methods for disc drive suspensions, such as spot welding and adhesive bonding, are inefficient and complex, particularly when combining different materials, and fail to achieve high stiffness and light weight simultaneously, limiting the shock resistance and natural frequency of hard disc drives.
Innovation Solution
A jointing apparatus with a positioning jig and a laser irradiator that can defocus or converge a laser beam for either adhesive heating or welding, allowing for the use of thermosetting adhesive agents and spot welding in a single process, enabling the jointing of components with various materials, including those that cannot be easily welded, to achieve high stiffness and light weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If components are jointed by spot welding, then joint strength is improved, but adaptability to different materials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the jointing apparatus capable of performing multiple jointing methods (adhesive bonding and welding) through a single integrated system. The apparatus can selectively switch between bonding agents for different material types, making it universally applicable to various materials including metals, non-metals, and unweldable materials while maintaining strong joints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are jointed by adhesive bonding, then adaptability to different materials is improved, but joint strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the type and properties of bonding agents based on the specific materials being joined. The system can select from different bonding agents (adhesives, welds, or combinations) depending on material compatibility requirements, while controlling parameters such as bonding agent amount, application position, and curing conditions to optimize both adaptability and joint strength.
3Ease of operation
If thermosetting adhesive agent is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing positioning protrusions and recesses that pre-position components in the correct alignment before adhesive application. This preliminary mechanical positioning ensures accurate component alignment without requiring complex positioning jigs or prolonged setup time, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If separate apparatuses are used for welding and adhesive bonding, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating both adhesive bonding and welding functions into a single jointing apparatus. The apparatus includes a positioning mechanism, bonding agent supply system, and heating/curing capabilities all in one unit, eliminating the need for separate welding and bonding equipment while maintaining manufacturing precision through coordinated operation of all functions.
5Ease of operation
If components are heated in heating oven, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the conventional heating oven with a laser heating system. The laser beam provides localized, controlled heating that cures the adhesive agent rapidly and uniformly without requiring long heating cycles in a conventional oven. This substitution dramatically reduces processing time while maintaining curing quality, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing ease of operation.
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 apparatus enables efficient jointing of components with improved shock resistance and natural frequency, allowing for the use of lightweight, high-stiffness materials in disc drive suspensions, enhancing the performance of hard disc drives by providing a flexible and efficient method for combining different materials.
Implementation Method 1
The beam control means defocuses and applies the laser beam to the adhered part to heat a thermosetting adhesive agent supplied to the adhered part
Implementation Method 2
the beam control means converges the laser beam within a range narrower than the range for the adhered part and applies the laser beam to the spot-welded joint
Data Source
AI summary
A jointing apparatus includes a first laser head which emits a laser beam for adhesive heating and a second laser head which emits a laser beam for welding. In jointing components of a work with a thermosetting adhesive agent, the defocused laser beam is applied to an adhered part for a short time. Thereupon, the adhesive agent is primarily cured so that the components are tacked together. In spot-welding the components, the laser beam for welding that is converged by the second laser head is applied to a spot-welded joint.