Reduced-thickness Baseplate for Data Storage Z-height Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage devices, the z-height of head stack assemblies is not minimized, leading to insufficient clearance between discs, which can cause damage during shock events, and the stamping process results in flange shape variations affecting resonance and attachment stability.
Innovation Solution
A baseplate with a flange having different uniform thicknesses and a protruding boss tower is used, where the thickness of the flange is reduced in specific portions to minimize z-height and enhance clearance, and the boss tower is swaged to secure the actuator arm, reducing resonance variations and improving attachment stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the flange thickness is reduced in specific portions, then the z-height of the head stack assembly is minimized and clearance between discs is increased, but the structural strength and attachment stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with non-uniform thickness, having a first uniform thickness in a first portion and a second uniform thickness in a second portion, where the second thickness is less than the first. This local quality variation allows the flange to provide sufficient structural strength at critical areas (first portion) while minimizing z-height in non-critical areas (second portion), thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing overall height and maintaining structural integrity.
2Length of stationary object
If the flange thickness is reduced, then the clearance between discs is increased, but the resonance variations may increase affecting positioning precision
Solution Approach 1:
By strategically positioning the reduced-thickness second portion of the flange away from critical attachment and positioning areas, the design increases disc clearance while maintaining sufficient mass and rigidity in the first portion to minimize resonance variations. This local differentiation allows the system to achieve both increased clearance and stable positioning precision.
3Reliability
If the boss tower is swaged to secure the actuator arm, then the attachment stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boss tower is pre-formed as an integral part of the flange during the stamping process, creating a protruding structure that is subsequently swaged to secure the actuator arm. This preliminary formation of the boss tower integrates the attachment feature into the base manufacturing process, reducing the need for separate components or complex assembly operations, thereby improving attachment stability while controlling manufacturing complexity.
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 solution reduces the overall z-height of the head stack assembly, increases clearance between discs, and stabilizes the actuator arm attachment, minimizing resonance variations and enhancing the structural integrity and positioning precision of the data storage device.
Implementation Method 1
The boss tower is then swaged to the first element
Data Source
AI summary
A baseplate for attaching at least two elements includes a flange having at least one first portion with a first uniform thickness and having at least one second portion with a second uniform thickness. The second uniform thickness is less than the first uniform thickness. The baseplate further includes a boss tower that protrudes from and is contiguous with the flange. The boss tower protrudes from the at least one second portion of the flange.