Torsion Testing Device for Small Form Factor Disc Drives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor disc drives in portable electronic devices are susceptible to external shocks and forces, leading to potential breakage and rendering the devices unusable, as they lack the necessary robustness to withstand everyday usage.
Innovation Solution
A torsion testing method and device that applies incremental twisting stresses to the electronic device, measuring the applied torque and strain, and testing the device's functionality at each increment to assess its robustness and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If small form factor disc drives are used to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but susceptibility to external shocks and forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing torsion testing before the disc drive is deployed in portable devices. The testing process simulates real-world torsional stresses that the disc drive will encounter during portable device usage, allowing manufacturers to identify and address potential reliability issues before the product reaches customers. This preventive approach ensures that only disc drives meeting robustness requirements are installed in portable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by applying controlled torsional stresses in the opposite direction of potential failure modes during testing. By pre-applying these counteracting forces during the testing phase, the disc drive structure is strengthened to resist actual external shocks and forces it will encounter during portable device usage, effectively neutralizing the vulnerability of small form factor designs.
2Measurement precision
If incremental twisting stress is applied during testing, then measurement precision is improved, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the torsion testing process into multiple incremental stress levels rather than applying full stress in one step. The testing methodology applies torque in discrete increments (e.g., 0.5 Nm, 1.0 Nm, 1.5 Nm, 2.0 Nm) with functionality checks at each level. This segmented approach enables precise measurement of the disc drive's response at each stress threshold while systematically progressing through the test sequence to complete evaluation efficiently.
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 method effectively evaluates the ability of small form factor disc drives to withstand torsional stresses, ensuring they remain functional under defined angular displacements or torques, thereby enhancing their robustness and usability in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device
Implementation Method 2
A strain on the electronic device caused by the incremental twisting changes for each of the plurality of increments
Data Source
AI summary
A test device comprises a base and a first fixture coupled to the base. The first fixture holds a first portion of an electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device includes a second fixture rotatably coupled to the base and a lever coupled to the second fixture. The second fixture holds a second portion of the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device also includes an actuator that forcibly moves the lever to rotate the second fixture and apply a torsion stress on the electronic device mounted in the test device. The test device may be used to test the functionality of electronic devices, such as small form-factor disc drives, while under torsion stresses.