Slider Clamp Layout for Temporary HDD Head Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for hard disk drive sliders require permanent bonding to a head-gimbal assembly for electrical testing, leading to unnecessary discarding of entire assemblies if the read head is defective, resulting in significant waste and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with springs located at a different vertical level than the slider space, allowing for a reduced footprint and mass, improved stability, and the ability to temporarily hold sliders for electronic testing without permanently bonding them to a head-gimbal assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent bonding is used to attach slider to head-gimbal assembly for testing, then electrical testing can be performed, but entire assembly must be discarded if read head is defective
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp divides the testing system into separable components: the head-gimbal assembly can be temporarily detached from the slider during testing. This segmentation allows the slider to be tested independently while mounted on the clamp, and enables discarding only the defective slider rather than the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp acts as an intermediary device between the slider and the testing system. It provides temporary mechanical and electrical connection during testing without permanent bonding, allowing the slider to be mounted for testing and then removed or discarded independently of the head-gimbal assembly.
2Ease of operation
If springs are located at the same vertical level as slider space, then contact surfaces can engage slider, but footprint and mass of clamp increase
Solution Approach 1:
The springs are repositioned from the horizontal plane (same level as slider space) to the vertical dimension (below the slider space). This dimensional change allows the contact surfaces to engage the slider effectively while the springs occupy vertical space rather than horizontal space, reducing the clamp's footprint.
3Ease of operation
If springs are located at the same vertical level as slider space, then contact surfaces can engage slider, but mass of clamp increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the springs to a lower vertical level, the design optimizes the mass distribution of the clamp. The springs are positioned where they can provide necessary engagement force while minimizing the overall mass of the clamp structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clamp design is used, then slider can be held for testing, but vibrations occur during testing
Solution Approach 1:
Positioning the springs at a lower vertical level changes the clamp's moment of inertia and vibrational characteristics. This dimensional repositioning creates a more stable structure that reduces vibrations during slider testing while maintaining the ability to hold the slider securely.
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 reduces vibrations during testing, improves positional stability, and allows for the discarding of defective sliders alone, minimizing waste and costs by enabling the reuse of testing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
A spring connects the stationary frame with the rear contact surface such that with deflection of the spring the rear contact surface is moveable relative to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp for removably holding a slider includes a stationary frame that includes a stationary rear frame member at a rear portion of the frame, extending in a width direction, at least one spring extending in a horizontal plane, and an open space extending in a length direction and the width direction. The open space is defined in the length direction in part by a front contact surface at a forward portion of the clamp adapted to engage one end of the slider, and a rear contact surface at a rear portion of the clamp, and adapted to engage an opposite end of the slider. The spring connects the stationary frame with the front contact surface such that with deflection of the spring the front contact surface is moveable relative to the frame in a direction of a lengthwise axis of the clamp.