Staggered Pressure Zone Collet Assembly for Dual Disk Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disk manufacturing equipment is costly and designed for dual-sided processing, making it inefficient for single-sided processing, which requires a mounting chuck capable of handling two disks simultaneously without compromising the data storage area or accommodating disk imperfections.
Innovation Solution
A collet assembly with multiple staggered pressure zones that apply force to the inner diameter of disks, using a segmented expander and chuck blades to securely hold two disks in place, accommodating varying thicknesses and imperfections, by alternating pressure zones around the circumference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mounting chuck is designed to hold two disks simultaneously, then productivity increases by processing two disks at once, but the risk of compromising the data storage area increases due to potential pressure application on the disks
Solution Approach 1:
The collet divides the pressure application into multiple discrete pressure zones around the circumference, with each zone applying pressure at a specific location. This segmentation allows pressure to be applied to the inner diameter of the disk without concentrating force on any single point that could damage the data storage area, enabling secure holding of two disks simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure zones are strategically positioned at specific locations around the inner diameter of the disk, creating localized pressure application points. This local quality ensures that pressure is applied only where structurally safe, avoiding the data storage area while maintaining secure disk holding for dual-disk processing
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to the inner diameter of the disk to hold it securely, then the disk is held firmly in place, but disk imperfections in the center hole can cause uneven pressure distribution and reduce holding reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous pressure application is segmented into multiple discrete pressure zones around the circumference. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate variations in the center hole geometry by distributing pressure across multiple zones, where imperfect zones can compensate through adjacent zones, maintaining reliable disk holding despite manufacturing imperfections
Solution Approach 2:
The system can adjust the number, position, and pressure magnitude of individual pressure zones to adapt to variations in disk center hole geometry. By changing these parameters, the collet optimizes pressure distribution to maintain reliable holding security despite variations in disk manufacturing precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If a collet is designed to accommodate disks of varying thicknesses, then versatility increases, but the complexity of the pressure application mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collet employs movable or adjustable pressure zones that can dynamically adapt their position and pressure application points based on the disk thickness. This dynamic capability allows the same mechanism to securely hold disks of varying thicknesses without requiring multiple specialized collets, managing complexity through adaptability rather than multiplication of components
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 secure, simultaneous processing of two single-sided disks without damaging the data storage area, effectively handling disks of different thicknesses and imperfections, and allowing for efficient use of existing dual-sided processing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The expander urges the chuck blades outward
Implementation Method 2
a compression sleeve that stores energy and applies a force to the disks to hold the disks in position
Data Source
AI summary
A collet assembly that holds two disks to be processed simultaneously uses alternating pressure zones to press against the inner diameter of the disks to hold them in place in a processing machine. While the disks to be processed are typically media disks, any type of disk processing can make use of the collet assembly of the present invention. Each pressure zone includes a contact surface on a chuck blade. When a travel stroke is initiated by an actuating device (typically an air cylinder), the drawbar pulls an angled expander rearward. The expander urges the chuck blades outward. Half of the pressure zones apply pressure (via the contact surfaces on the chuck blades) to the first disk, while the other half of the contact surfaces press against the second disk, so that both disks are held securely in position. The pressure zones that apply pressure to the first disk are interspersed with the pressure zones that apply pressure to the second disk, so that the pressure zones alternate around the circumference of the collet.