Suspension Board Optical Waveguide Layout for Hard Disk Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of head sliders in hard disk drives with optical assist systems limits the installation of components, making the production of these systems time-consuming and costly due to restricted layout options for the optical waveguide and light source.
Innovation Solution
A suspension board with a circuit is designed, featuring a metal supporting board, insulating base layer, conductive pattern, insulating cover layer, and optical waveguide, allowing for more flexible design and production efficiency by providing sufficient space for the optical waveguide and light source, and including a method for forming and cutting these components to ensure precise alignment and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the optical waveguide and light source are integrated on the head slider to achieve miniaturization, then the recording density is improved, but the production complexity and cost increase due to limited space and troublesome layout
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical assist system into two separate components: the head slider (containing only the magnetic head) and the suspension board (containing the optical waveguide and light source). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the head slider maintaining miniaturization for high recording density while the suspension board provides sufficient space for straightforward optical component integration, thereby reducing production complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the head slider is miniaturized to satisfy the need for high density recording, then the recording capacity is improved, but the space for installing other components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the optical components from the two-dimensional plane of the head slider to the suspension board, which provides an additional dimensional space. This dimensional transition allows the head slider to remain miniaturized for high recording capacity while the optical waveguide and light source are accommodated on the larger suspension board structure, effectively resolving the space constraint.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical components are integrated on the head slider to achieve compact design, then the system size is reduced, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the optical components from the head slider and placing them on the suspension board, the patent enables independent manufacturing and optimization of each component. The head slider can be produced using standard miniaturized processes while the suspension board with optical components can be manufactured separately with more relaxed tolerances, thereby improving overall production efficiency and reducing costs despite maintaining compact system size.
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 ensures freedom of design, improves production efficiency, and reduces production costs by allowing for the reliable application of light to the desired position and simplifying the production process while maintaining the optical assist system's effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide, wherein the optical waveguide is provided on the insulating base layer or the insulating cover layer
Implementation Method 2
the core layer is formed on the insulating base layer, and the insulating cover layer also serves as the over clad layer
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension board with circuit includes a metal supporting board, an insulating base layer formed on the metal supporting board, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer, an insulating cover layer formed on the insulating base layer so as to cover the conductive pattern, and an optical waveguide.