Slider Removal from Flexure Using Ultrasonic Vibration and Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing a read/write slider from a head suspension flexure are limited, especially when interferences such as piezoelectric elements are present, as they cause difficulties in applying the reclaiming technique without displacing the slider excessively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving heating the slider to soften the adhesive and applying ultrasonic vibration to the adhered surface, allowing for shearing force generation and effective removal without large slider displacement, using a heating jig that contacts the slider and vibrates at ultrasonic frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the reclaiming technique is applied to remove a slider from a HGA, then the slider can be easily and surely removed from the flexure, but the slider rotates or displaces excessively which prevents application to HGAs with interferences such as piezoelectric elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies ultrasonic vibration to the adhesive layer between the slider and flexure. The ultrasonic vibration generator vibrates at ultrasonic frequency to create mechanical oscillations in the adhesive, generating shearing forces that weaken the adhesive bond. This allows the slider to be removed without requiring large rotational displacement, making the method applicable to HGAs with surrounding interferences such as piezoelectric elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the adhesive by heating it to a specific temperature range (50°C to 100°C). This thermal parameter change softens the adhesive, reducing its bonding strength and making it more susceptible to ultrasonic vibration-induced shearing. The combination of temperature control and ultrasonic vibration enables effective slider removal without excessive displacement.
2Ease of manufacture
If heating is applied to soften the adhesive, then the adhesive bonding strength is reduced and slider removal becomes easier, but the heating process may affect surrounding components and increase process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating locally to the adhesive layer between the slider and flexure, rather than heating the entire HGA. The heating is concentrated at the bonding interface where it is most needed to soften the adhesive. This localized approach minimizes thermal impact on surrounding components while effectively achieving adhesive softening for slider removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating step is performed as a preliminary action before applying ultrasonic vibration. By first heating the adhesive to soften it, the subsequent ultrasonic vibration process becomes more effective. The softened adhesive requires less energy to be broken by ultrasonic shearing forces. This sequential approach of heating followed by ultrasonic vibration optimizes the overall removal process.
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 method ensures the slider is removed without significant displacement, preventing damage to piezoelectric elements and maintaining the integrity of the head suspension, thereby improving the reclaiming process and reducing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
heats the slider so that the adhesive is heated through an adhered surface of the slider being in contact with the adhesive
Implementation Method 2
applies ultrasonic vibration to the slider so that the adhered surface of the slider vibrates at ultrasonic frequency with respect to the adhesive
Implementation Method 3
the adhered surface of the slider generates shearing force due to the ultrasonic vibration on an interface between the adhered surface of the slider and the adhesive that is softened by heating
Data Source
AI summary
A method of surely removing a read/write slider from a flexure without large displacement of the slider, the slider attached to the flexure of the head suspension through an adhesive, comprises heating the slider so that the adhesive is heated through an adhered surface of the slider being in contact with the adhesive; and applying ultrasonic vibration to the slider so that the adhered surface of the slider vibrates at ultrasonic frequency with respect to the adhesive.