Releasable Head Slider Mounting for Disk Drive Flexure Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless flexures for magnetic disk drive head suspensions require the entire assembly to be discarded if the head slider fails testing, as the slider is fixedly mounted, making it difficult to test and reuse components effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for releasably mounting a head slider to a magnetic disk drive head suspension assembly using a tool with a base region, laterally-spaced outer arms, a cross member, mounting arms, and a deflectable slider engagement member to facilitate frictional engagement with lead contact pads, allowing for testing and potential reuse of the slider and flexure assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the head slider is fixedly mounted to the flexure, then the assembly is structurally stable, but the entire assembly must be discarded if the slider fails testing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the mounting system into separable components: a mounting structure with engagement features and a slider with corresponding disengagement features. This allows the slider to be detached from the flexure assembly after testing, enabling reuse of the flexure while maintaining structural stability during the testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables recovery and reuse of the flexure assembly by allowing the slider to be removed after testing. The reversible mounting mechanism permits the flexure to be retained and reused for subsequent sliders, eliminating the need to discard the entire assembly when a slider fails testing.
2Reliability
If the head slider is fixedly mounted to the flexure, then the electrical connection is reliable, but testing requires discarding the entire assembly upon slider rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure incorporates separate engagement features for mechanical and electrical connections. These segmented features allow the slider to be securely mounted during testing while enabling easy removal afterward, improving testing efficiency without compromising connection reliability during the testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a static fixed mounting to a dynamic reversible mounting system. The engagement and disengagement features allow the slider to be securely attached for testing and then easily removed, enabling the flexure to be reused for multiple testing cycles and improving overall productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a releasable mounting mechanism is used, then the slider can be removed for testing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The releasable mounting mechanism is divided into simple, discrete engagement and disengagement features that are integrated into the existing flexure and slider structures. This segmented approach provides testing flexibility through reversible mounting while minimizing the addition of complex separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure is designed with multi-functional features that serve both mechanical support and electrical connection purposes. The engagement features provide both structural attachment and electrical contact, reducing the need for additional specialized components and thereby limiting the increase in device 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
Enables the slider to be tested and potentially reused without discarding the assembly, allowing for flexible mounting and testing of sliders, and if successful, permanent mounting for production use, reducing waste and improving testing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable slider engagement member for forcing a head slider into frictional engagement with the slider mounting region and the lead contact pads
Implementation Method 2
forcing a head slider into frictional engagement with the slider mounting region and the lead contact pads
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting a head slider of the type having terminal pads to a wireless disk drive head suspension flexure including a slider mounting region, lead contact pads, and a deflectable and resilient slider engagement member for releasably mounting a head slider to the slider mounting region. The method includes engaging and deflecting the slider engagement member and positioning the head slider onto the slider mounting region and between the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member while the slider engagement member is deflected. The method further includes disengaging the slider engagement member and causing the slider engagement member to force the head slider into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member with the lead contact pads in mechanical and electrical contact with the head slider terminal pads.