Resilient Processing Head for Lapping Plate Surface Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lapping plate manufacturing processes face challenges in efficiently creating uniform abrasive surfaces due to surface irregularities and pressure imbalances, which can lead to damage and inconsistent abrasive particle embedding.

Innovation Solution

A rotatable platter apparatus with a processing head mechanism that includes a resilient member to elastically move and distribute pressure, allowing the processing member to conform to surface irregularities and maintain contact, thereby reducing damage and ensuring uniform abrasive particle embedding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a rigid processing head is used to apply pressure to the lapping plate surface, then the pressure application is straightforward and simple, but the pressure distribution is uneven and causes surface damage due to inability to conform to surface irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface uniformityVSAvoidprocessing head structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing head incorporates a flexible membrane or diaphragm that can elastically deform to conform to surface irregularities. This flexible element distributes pressure uniformly across the processing member while adapting to the actual surface topology, preventing localized stress concentrations that cause damage while maintaining simple overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical state or properties of the processing head by introducing elastic compliance. The processing head transitions from a rigid structure to one that exhibits controlled elastic deformation, allowing it to adapt its shape and pressure distribution characteristics based on the surface it contacts without increasing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high pressure is applied to embed abrasive particles efficiently, then the productivity increases, but surface damage occurs and pressure imbalances arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabrasive particle embedding efficiencyVSAvoidsurface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible membrane in the processing head acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes applied pressure before it reaches the lapping plate surface. This pre-distribution of pressure prevents localized overload that would cause surface damage while maintaining sufficient overall pressure for efficient abrasive particle embedding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane distributes high applied pressure uniformly across the processing member contact area, preventing pressure concentrations that cause surface damage. This allows the system to apply high overall pressure for productive abrasive embedding while the flexible element ensures the pressure is distributed evenly to avoid harmful localized effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively reduces pressure imbalances and surface damage, enabling consistent and efficient embedding of abrasive particles onto the lapping plate, resulting in improved performance and surface uniformity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one resilient member attached to the base... The at least one resilient member permits the at least one processing member to elastically move in response to a pressure increase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11826881B2One or more conformal members used in the manufacture of a lapping plate, and related apparatuses and methods of making

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure includes one or more resilient members for use in an apparatus used to form lapping plates. The resilient members can permit processing members such as charging elements and shaving blades to conform to irregularities in surface topography of lapping plate platens.