Partially Flangeless Dimple for HAMR Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing demand for higher data storage density in disk drives, particularly with energy-assisted magnetic recording technologies like HAMR, requires a head suspension assembly that can accommodate additional components such as HAMR blocks, which poses challenges in terms of clearance and component placement due to the existing flange design.
Innovation Solution
A partially flangeless load point dimple design on the head suspension assembly, where the flange does not extend along the edge of the dimple, allowing for increased clearance and accommodation of HAMR blocks or other elements, thereby enabling a more compact configuration and enhanced storage density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional flange design is used around the dimple, then the structural integrity and load transfer are maintained, but the clearance space is insufficient to accommodate HAMR blocks or other EAMR components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flange from the traditional dimple design, creating a partially flangeless configuration. This removes the obstructing element (full flange) while retaining the essential load transfer function through the dimple itself, thereby creating clearance space for HAMR blocks without completely eliminating the flange's structural role
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is segmented into a partial flange configuration, where the flange extends around only a portion of the dimple circumference rather than completely surrounding it. This segmentation allows the dimple edge to remain exposed for component accommodation while the flange maintains structural support in critical areas
2Area of stationary object
If the dimple is completely surrounded by a flange, then load transfer is optimized, but the window size is reduced preventing accommodation of additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing flange coverage only in specific locations around the dimple where structural support is most needed for load transfer, while leaving other areas (particularly along one edge) open to maximize window area. This localized approach optimizes both load transfer and component accommodation
3Quantity of substance
If HAMR blocks are added to increase storage density, then storage capacity is improved, but the component placement becomes more difficult due to limited clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The partially flangeless dimple design is implemented in advance during the head suspension assembly design stage, creating the necessary clearance space before HAMR blocks need to be positioned. This preliminary structural modification facilitates subsequent component placement and assembly operations
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments concern a suspension assembly of a disk drive. The suspension assembly includes a load beam comprising a major planar area formed from a substrate. The load beam further comprises a window in the substrate, a dimple formed from the substrate, and a flange. The flange is a region of the major planar area that extends partially around the dimple but does not extend along an edge of the dimple. The edge of the dimple is adjacent to the window. The dimple is in contact with the flexure. A HAMR block or other element can extend through the window. The lack of a full flange can minimize the necessary clearance between the dimple and the HAMR block or other element and thereby allow the window to be enlarged to accommodate the HAMR block or other element.