Load Beam Cross-Section Shaping for Uniform Flexure Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional disc drive suspensions experience warped deformation near the flange bending parts of the load beam, leading to uneven gaps between the load beam and the flexure, which can cause malfunction and unstable contact.
Innovation Solution
The proposed disc drive suspension features a load beam with a specific cross-sectional shape, including a first cross-section warped up toward the flange bending parts and a second cross-section with a lesser height difference, along with a die set and manufacturing method that form the second bending part to minimize warping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a second bending part is formed in the load beam to improve access to the disc, then the gimbal movement is enhanced, but warped deformation occurs near the flange bending parts causing uneven gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different cross-sectional shapes to different regions of the load beam. The first cross-section (through welding parts) has a warped shape to compensate for deformation, while the second cross-section (through non-welding parts) maintains a flat shape. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing the second bending part to enhance gimbal movement while preventing warped deformation at critical welding locations.
2Strength
If the load beam is bent to form flange bending parts, then structural support is improved, but warped deformation occurs affecting the gap uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a preliminary anti-action by designing the first cross-section with a predetermined warped shape that compensates for the deformation caused by flange bending. The warped upward shape of the first cross-section counteracts the warped downward deformation that would normally occur near flange bending parts, thereby maintaining gap uniformity while preserving structural support.
3Reliability
If high accuracy is required for the load beam shape, then malfunction is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different cross-sectional configurations only where needed: the warped first cross-section is located specifically through the welding parts where deformation occurs, while the flat second cross-section is used through non-welding parts. This targeted approach maintains high reliability by preventing malfunction at critical locations without unnecessarily complicating the entire manufacturing process.
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
This design ensures even gaps between the load beam and the flexure, preventing unstable contact and maintaining accurate gimbal movement, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the disc drive suspension.
Implementation Method 1
the flange bending part is formed by bending both side parts of the load beam at approximately 90° in the thickness direction
Implementation Method 2
a first cross-section part extending in the width direction of the load beam main body through welding parts to which the flexure is fixed
Data Source
AI summary
A load beam includes a pair of flange bending parts including first bending parts, and a second bending part extending in a width direction. A first cross-section part extends in the width direction of the load beam passing through welding parts. The first cross-section part is warped up toward the flange parts. A second cross-section part extends in the width direction passing through a different position from that of the welding parts. The second cross-section part has a lesser height difference as compared to the first cross-section part. A die is used when bending the second bending part. The die includes a first relief part including a first inclined surface and a second relief part including a second inclined surface in both sides of the supporting surface.