Method for releasably mounting a head slider to a disk drive head suspension

A method for mounting a head slider of the type having terminal pads to a wireless disk drive head suspension flexure including a slider mounting region, lead contact pads, and a deflectable and resilient slider engagement member for releasably mounting a head slider to the slider mounting region. The method includes engaging and deflecting the slider engagement member and positioning the head slider onto the slider mounting region and between the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member while the slider engagement member is deflected. The method further includes disengaging the slider engagement member and causing the slider engagement member to force the head slider into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads and the slider engagement member with the lead contact pads in mechanical and electrical contact with the head slider terminal pads.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to wireless or integrated lead flexures for magnetic disk drive head suspensions. In particular, the invention is a structure and method for releasably mounting a head slider to a wireless flexure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wireless or integrated lead flexures for magnetic disk drive suspension assemblies are known. Conventional wireless flexures are mounted to a load beam and include a plurality of leads and a structure (e.g., a tongue having a slider receiving surface) to which a head slider is mounted. The head slider is an electronic component including a magnetic read/write transducer which can read and/or write data from/to the magnetic disk. In conventional flexures, the head slider is fixedly mechanically mounted to the flexure (e.g., by adhesive) and electrically connected to the leads (e.g., by solder or conductive gold ball bonding). Testing is typically performed on the assembled flexure and slider or suspension assembly before they are incorporated into a disk drive. Such testing may include, for example, dynamic electrical testing as is know in the art. Because the slider is fixedly mounted to the flexure of the suspension assembly, the entire suspension assembly must be discarded if the slider is rejected for failing one or more of these tests.

Accordingly, there is a need for a flexure and method for releasably mounting a head slider for testing the slider. In particular, there is a need for a wireless flexure that can serve as a tool or fixture for releasably mounting a head slider for testing the slider as well as a production flexure assembly to which the slider can be fixedly mounted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device and method for releasably mounting a head slider to a magnetic disk drive head suspension assembly. The invention can be used to test the head slider, or as a production assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention is a tool for releasably supporting and testing a head slider. The tool comprises a base region, a pair of laterally-spaced outer arms extending from the base region, a cross member extending between the outer arms, and a slider mounting region. Mounting arms extend from the cross member for supporting the slider mounting region between the outer arms. The tool also includes a plurality of integrated leads terminating at lead contact pads, and a deflectable slider engagement member for forcing a head slider into frictional engagement with the slider mounting region and the lead contact pads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective schematic view of a distal portion a wireless disk drive head suspension flexure10according to one embodiment of the present invention shown mounted to a load beam14. A head slider18including terminal pads20is shown mounted to the flexure10. The load beam14and the head slider18can be of conventional design and structure. As will be discussed in detail below, the slider18can be releasably mounted to the flexure10. Thus, in one embodiment, the flexure10can be used as a reusable test tool or fixture for releasably mounting and testing one or more head sliders18. Alternatively, if desired, the slider18can be fixedly mounted to the flexure10and used in a conventional manner in a disk drive head suspension if, for example, the slider18passes the required tests.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the flexure10includes a cross member26extending between a pair of flexure arms32and34, and a tongue or slider receiving member36extending from and supported by the cross member26between the flexure arms32,34. As further shown, the flexure10includes a plurality of integrated leads40terminating in lead contact pads46adjacent to the slider receiving member36. In the illustrated embodiment, the leads40are located between the flexure arms32,34and are supported by dielectric members47,48. The distal most portions of the leads40are supported by the cross member26. A dielectric insulating layer49is located between portions of the leads40that overlay the cross member26. In other embodiments (not shown), the leads40extend over the flexure arms32,34and are separated from the flexure arms32,34by a layer of dielectric.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the flexure10also includes an elastically deflectable slider engagement member54for releasably mounting the slider18to the slider receiving member36. As will be explained in detail below, the slider engagement member54causes the slider18to be releasably mounted on the flexure10with the lead contact pads46in contact (both mechanically and electrically) with respective terminal pads20of the slider18. The slider engagement member54maintains the slider18in mechanical and electrical contact with the lead contact pads46, while later allowing the slider18to be removed and replaced.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare plan and partial side views, respectively, of distal portions of the flexure10showing the slider18mounted on the slider receiving member36. As shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, the slider engagement member54is deflectable and resilient, and includes a slider engagement portion58, a pair of laterally spaced spring arms60,62, and a tooling engagement portion66. The spring arms60,62extend from the cross member26to the slider engagement portion58. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm60is positioned between the flexure arm32and the slider receiving member36, and the spring arm62is positioned between the flexure arm34and the slider receiving member36. As shown, the spring arms60,62include, respectively, elastically extendable portions63,64. In the illustrated embodiment, the extendable portions63and64are formed out of the plane of the flexure arms32and34to enable the slider engagement portion58to be deflected away from the cross member26. As shown, the tooling engagement portion66is connected to or located on the slider engagement portion58. In the illustrated embodiment, the tooling engagement portion66includes an aperture70. As shown inFIG. 2B, the aperture70can be engaged by tooling, which as illustrated is a tapered pin71, that is moved to deflect the slider engagement portion58in a direction away from the cross member26. The slider engagement portion58further includes a structure, which in the illustrated embodiment is a projection or bump72, extending from the slider engagement portion58for promoting positive engagement with the slider18.

The deflectable slider engagement member54releasably secures the slider18to the flexure10. In an undeflected state of the slider engagement member54(as indicated by dashed lines labeled “UD” inFIG. 2A), separation S between the slider engagement portion58and the lead contact pads46is smaller than a length of the slider18. The slider engagement portion58can be deflected in a direction away from the lead contact pads46by an amount sufficient to permit the slider18to be positioned on the slider engagement member36. Such deflection of the slider engagement portion58can be accomplished, for example, by engaging the aperture70with the tapered pin71or other suitable tool and using this tool to forcibly deflect the slider engagement portion58by a sufficient amount. In some circumstances, it may be advantageous to clamp or otherwise fix the distal most portion of the flexure10(i.e., the cross member26and the distal most ends of the flexure arms32,34) in place to facilitate deflecting the slider engagement portion58using a tool such as the tapered pin71. With the slider18in position, upon releasing the slider engagement member54, the spring arms60,62will attempt to elastically return to their undeflected state, thus forcing the slider engagement portion58against the slider18, which becomes frictionally engaged with and between the slider engagement portion58and the lead contact pads46. If desired, an electrically conductive substance (e.g., solder) can be applied to the interface between the terminal pads20and the lead contact pads46to further promote positive electrical contact between these structures.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the lead contact pads46are non-linear (i.e., bent) and extend out of the general plane of the flexure10. In other embodiments, the lead contact pads may be substantially linear and/or may include both linear and non-linear portions. The portions of the leads40adjacent the lead contact pads46are also deflectable and resilient, and can exert a spring force when deflected. In one embodiment, the spring arms60,62are more rigid than the lead contact pads46, causing the lead contact pads46to be deflected away from the slider engagement portion58when the slider engagement member54forces the slider18into the lead contact pads46. The lead contact pads46will therefore impose a spring force on the slider18in a direction generally opposite that imposed by the slider engagement member54, thereby enhancing the frictional engagement of the lead contact pads46and the slider engagement portion58with the slider18. Once mounted, the slider18can be removed from the flexure10by again deflecting the slider engagement portion58away from the lead contact pads46to release the slider18from frictional engagement with the slider engagement portion58and lead contact pads46.

FIG. 2Cis a side view of a portion of the flexure10including an alternative deflectable slider engagement member54afor releasably mounting the slider18to the flexure10. As shown, the slider engagement member54aincludes a spring arm60aincluding an elastically extendable portion63ahaving at least two undulations, in contrast to the substantially V-shaped elastically extendable portions63,64of the spring arms60,62described above. For illustration purposes, only a spring arm60awith elastically extendable portion63ais shown in the side view ofFIG. 2C, although it will be appreciated that the slider engagement member54aincludes a corresponding second spring arm with an elastically extendable portion on the opposite side of the slider18. The slider engagement member54a, the spring arm60a, and the elastically extendable portion63aoperate in substantially the same manner as the slider engagement member54, the spring arm60, and the elastically extendable portion63described above. Additionally, the slider engagement member54ais in other respects identical to the slider engagement member54described above.

FIGS. 3A and 3Bare plan and partial side views of a flexure110according to another embodiment of the present invention with a slider118releasably mounted thereon. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the flexure110includes a cross member126extending between a pair of flexure arms132and134, and a tongue or slider receiving member136extending from and supported by the cross member126between the flexure arms132,134. As illustrated, the flexure110includes a plurality of integrated leads140terminating in lead contact pads146(which in the illustrated embodiment include conductive metallic balls for frictionally engaging the terminal pads, not shown, of the slider118) adjacent to the slider receiving member136.

As further shown, the flexure110includes a deflectable slider engagement member154attached to the slider mounting member136. Like the slider engagement member54of the flexure10, the slider engagement member154releasably mounts the slider118to the slider mounting member136. In the illustrated embodiment, the deflectable slider engagement member154is a deflectable tab or flange extending at an angle from a proximal end of the slider receiving member136, and includes a slider engagement portion158and a tooling engagement portion166having, in the illustrated embodiment, an aperture170. The slider engagement portion158is biased toward the lead contact pads146, and can be deflected in a direction away from the lead contact pads146. When so deflected, the elastic slider engagement member154produces a spring force for forcing a slider into frictional engagement with the slider engagement member158and the lead contact pads146.

As illustrated inFIG. 3A, in an undeflected state of the slider engagement member154(as indicated by dashed lines labeled “UD” inFIGS. 3A and 3B), separation S between the slider engagement portion158and the lead contact pads146is smaller than the length of the slider118. Deflection of the slider engagement portion158away from the lead contact pads146allows for positioning the slider118on the slider receiving member. The slider engagement portion158can be deflected, for example, by engaging the aperture170of the tooling engagement portion166with a suitable tool (e.g., in the manner described above with respect to the slider engagement member54) and pulling the slider engagement portion158in a direction away from the lead contact pads146. As with the flexure10described above, in some circumstances, it may be advantageous to clamp or otherwise fix the distal most portion of the flexure110(i.e., the cross member126and the distal most ends of the flexure arms132,134) in place to facilitate deflecting the slider engagement portion158. Releasing the tooling engagement portion166causes the slider engagement member154to attempt to return to the slider engagement portion158to its undeflected state, forcing the slider118into frictional engagement with the slider engagement portion158and the lead contact pads146.

Alternatively, the slider118could be forced between the slider engagement portion158and the lead contact pads146to push apart the deflectable slider engagement member154and the deflectable lead contact pads146, which will frictionally engage the slider118there between. In either case, the slider118can be removed by deflecting the slider engagement member158(e.g., by engaging the tooling engaging portion166as described above) to release the slider118from frictional engagement with the slider engagement member158and the lead contact pads146.

FIG. 4Aillustrates a plan view of a portion of a flexure210according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 4A, the flexure210includes a cross member226extending between a pair of flexure arms232and234, and a tongue or slider receiving member236extending from and supported by the cross member226between the flexure arms232,234. As illustrated, the flexure210includes a plurality of integrated leads240terminating in lead contact pads246(which in the illustrated embodiment include conductive metallic balls for frictionally engaging the terminal pads, not shown, of the slider218) adjacent to the slider receiving member236. The flexure210further includes a slider engagement member254for releasably mounting a slider218to the slider mounting member236.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, the slider engagement member254includes a pair of lateral arms255,256extending proximally from the slider receiving member236to a proximal portion257. As further shown, the proximal portion257includes a slider engagement portion258, a pivot dimple engaging portion259, and a push tab260. As shown and discussed in detail below, the slider engagement portion258can be deflected upward to permit a slider to be positioned on the slider mounting member236, and the slider engagement member254can thereafter force the slider218into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads246and the slider engagement portion258.

FIGS. 4B-4Ddepict, schematically, the operation of the slider engagement member254for releasably mounting the slider218to the slider receiving member236. As shown inFIGS. 4B-4D, the slider receiving member236and slider engagement member254are supported by a load beam214, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a gimbal dimple262for supporting the slider receiving member236, and a pivot dimple264engaged with the pivot dimple engaging portion259of the slider engagement member254. Applying a force F (FIG. 4C) to the push tab260causes the proximal portion257of the slider engagement member254to pivot on the pivot dimple264, thereby deflecting the slider engagement portion258away from the load beam214as shown inFIG. 4C. The size of the opening between the slider engagement portion258and the lead contact pads246thereby increases. The slider218can then be positioned on the slider receiving member236. In some circumstances, it may be advantageous to clamp or otherwise fix the distal most portion of the flexure210(i.e., the cross member226and the distal most ends of the flexure arms232,234) in place to facilitate deflecting the slider engagement portion258.

Removing the force F causes the proximal portion257to attempt to elastically return to its undeflected state, causing the slider engagement portion258to engage the slider218and which forces the slider218into frictional engagement with the lead contact pads246. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider engagement member254is more rigid than the lead contact pads246, causing the lead contact pads246to be deflected away from the slider engagement member254as indicated inFIG. 4D(dashed lines indicating the initial position of the slider218prior to deflection of the lead contact pads246). This deflection of the lead contact pads246enhances the frictional engagement of the slider engagement portion258and the lead contact pads246with the slider218.

FIG. 5is a plan view of a distal portion of a flexure310according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 5, the flexure310includes a base portion322for mounting the flexure310to a load beam (not shown), a pair of laterally spaced flexure arms332and334extending distally from the base portion322, a cross member326extending between the flexure arms332,334, a slider receiving member336positioned between the flexure arms332,334, and a plurality of integrated leads340terminating in lead contact pads346adjacent to the slider receiving member336. The slider receiving member336has a proximal end347and a distal end348, and is supported from the cross member326by a pair of mounting arms350,351attached to the slider mounting member336approximately midway between the proximal and distal ends347and348. As shown inFIG. 5, a gap352separates the distal end348of the slider engagement member336and the cross member326, and the leads340extend from the cross member326across the gap352to locate the lead contact pads346adjacent the slider receiving member336.

As further illustrated, the flexure310also includes a deflectable slider engagement member354for releasably mounting a slider (not shown) to the slider receiving member336. The slider engagement member354includes a slider engagement portion358, a pair of laterally spaced spring arms360,362, and a tooling engagement portion366including, in the illustrated embodiment, an aperture370. The spring arms360,362extend from the cross member326to the slider engagement portion358. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm360is positioned between the flexure arm332and the slider receiving member336, and the spring arm362is positioned between the flexure arm334and the slider receiving member336. As shown, the spring arms360,362include, respectively, elastically extendable portions363,364. It will be appreciated that the slider engagement member354is similar in design and function to the slider engagement member54of the flexure10described above.

The flexure310is in many respects similar to the flexure10described above, with the primary difference being the inclusion in the flexure310of the mounting arms350,351for supporting the slider receiving member336from points approximately midway between its proximal and distal ends347and348. The design of the flexure310minimizes crowning of the slider receiving member336when the slider engagement member354is deflected, and further allows the slider receiving member336to bend and deflect independently of the flexure arms332,334when under load.

FIG. 6is a plan view of a distal portion of a flexure410according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 6, the flexure410includes a cross member426extending between a pair of laterally spaced flexure arms432and434, a slider receiving member436between the flexure arms432,434, and a plurality of integrated leads440terminating in lead contact pads446adjacent to the slider receiving member436. The slider receiving member436has a proximal end447and a distal end448, and is supported from the cross member426by a pair of mounting arms450,451attached to the slider mounting member436near its proximal end447. As shown inFIG. 6, a gap452separates the distal end448of the slider engagement member436and the cross member426, and the leads440extend from the cross member426across the gap452to locate the lead contact pads446adjacent the slider receiving member436.

As further illustrated, the flexure410also includes a deflectable slider engagement member454for releasably mounting a slider (not shown) to the slider receiving member436. The slider engagement member454includes a slider engagement portion458, a pair of laterally spaced spring arms460,462, and a tooling engagement portion466including, in the illustrated embodiment, an aperture470. The spring arms460,462extend from the cross member426to the slider engagement portion458. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm460is positioned between the flexure arm432and the slider receiving member436, and the spring arm462is positioned between the flexure arm434and the slider receiving member436. As shown, the spring arms460,462include, respectively, elastically extendable portions463,464. It will be appreciated that the slider engagement member454is similar in design and function to the slider engagement members54and354of the flexures10and310, respectively, described above.

The flexure410is similar in design and operation to the flexure310described above, the exception being that the mounting arms450,451of the flexure410support the slider receiving member436from points near its proximal end447. It has been found that supporting the slider receiving member436near its proximal end447further enhances the flexibility of the slider receiving member436in supporting the slider (not shown) when under load and provides positive electrical contact and stability between the lead contact pads446and the slider terminal pads (not shown inFIG. 6).

FIG. 7is a plan view of a distal portion of a flexure510according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 7, the flexure510includes a cross member526extending between a pair of laterally spaced flexure arms532and534, a slider receiving member536between the flexure arms532,534, and a plurality of integrated leads540. As illustrated, the leads540terminate in lead contact pads545,546adjacent to the slider receiving member536. The slider receiving member536has a proximal end547and a distal end548, and is supported from the cross member526by a pair of mounting arms550,551attached to the slider mounting member536near its proximal end547.

As further illustrated, the flexure510also includes a deflectable slider engagement member554for releasably mounting a slider (not shown) to the slider receiving member536. The slider engagement member554includes a slider engagement portion558, a pair of laterally spaced spring arms560,562, and a tooling engagement portion566including, in the illustrated embodiment, an aperture570. The spring arms560,562extend from the cross member526to the slider engagement portion558. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring arm560is positioned between the flexure arm532and the slider receiving member536, and the spring arm562is positioned between the flexure arm534and the slider receiving member536. As shown, the spring arms560,562include, respectively, elastically extendable portions563,564. It will be appreciated that the slider engagement member554is similar in design and function to the slider engagement members54,354, and454of the flexures10,310, and410, respectively, described above.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, the lead contact pads545,546each include an end portion580for mechanically and electrically contacting a slider terminal pad (not shown). As further shown, the lead contact pads545include a reduced-width neck portion584and a base portion588. As shown, both the end portions580and the base portions588of the lead contact pads545have larger widths than the neck portions584. The reduced-width neck portions584facilitate forming of the lead contact pads545and allow the lead contact pads545to have a lower spring rate than the lead contact pads546. This difference in spring rates between the respective lead contact pads545and546enhances positive electrical contact between the lead contact pads and the slider terminal pads (not shown inFIG. 7).

As further shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the slider engagement portion558has a width W that is smaller than the distance D between the lead contact pads546to permit torsional motion of the slider and ensure positive electrical contact between the lead contact pads545,546and the slider terminal pads (not shown). It will be appreciated that this torsional motion is also facilitated by the bump72illustrated inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 8is a schematic side view of a portion of a lead600including a non-linear (i.e., bent) lead contact pad604according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 8, the lead600includes a base layer608, an intermediate layer612, and an upper layer616for electrically contacting and frictionally engaging a slider618, and in particular, a slider terminal pad620. The lead contact pad604further includes a proximal portion624bent away from the major plane of the lead600at a curve626, and a distal portion630extending toward the major plane of the lead600from a second curve636. The bent lead contact pad604is deflectable, and forms a spring-like structure for positively engaging the terminal pad620. Additionally, the illustrated orientation of the distal portion630provides a structure for resisting and minimizing lifting of the slider618(indicated by the opposing arrows inFIG. 8) when under load.

The layers608,612, and616can be made from any materials conventionally used for integrated leads in a flexure. In one embodiment, the base layer608is made from a relatively rigid material such as stainless steel to provide the primary spring force. In one embodiment, the intermediate layer612is made from a dielectric material such as polyimide, and the upper layer616is made from an electrically conductive material such as copper or a copper alloy. It will be appreciated, however, that the foregoing materials are exemplary only, and other materials can be used. Additionally, any portions of the layers608,612and/or616may be selectively removed to reduce the spring rate of the lead600.

FIG. 9illustrates an alternative lead650including a lead contact pad654which are also of a three-layer design and are otherwise similar in design and function to the lead600and lead contact pad604described above. Thus, as shown inFIG. 9, the lead650includes a base layer658, an intermediate layer662, and an upper layer668for electrically contacting and frictionally engaging the slider terminal pad620. The lead contact pad654further includes a proximal portion674bent away from the major plane of the lead650at a curve676, and a distal portion680extending toward the major plane of the lead from a second curve686. As shown, the proximal and distal portions674and680extend generally linearly distal of the curves676and686, respectively. Additionally, the proximal and distal portions674,680of the lead contact pad654are longer than the proximal and distal portions,624and630of the lead contact pad604.

It will be appreciated that the lead contact pads604,654can be used in and incorporated into any of the various flexure embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10A and 10Bare schematic plan and end views, respectively, of plurality of integrated leads700according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 10A, the plurality of integrated leads700includes a pair of outermost leads710including respective base portions714and terminating at respective outermost lead contact pads718, a pair of intermediate leads720including respective base portions724and terminating at respective intermediate lead contact pads728, and a pair of innermost leads730including respective base portions734and terminating at respective innermost lead contact pads738.

As illustrated, for each of the pairs of leads710,720, and730, the base portions714,724, and734are orientated at approximately right angles to the respective lead contact pads718,728, and738. As further shown, the innermost lead contact pads738extend farther with respect to a location750of a row of terminal pads of a slider (shown for reference in phantom lines inFIGS. 10A and 10B) than do the intermediate lead contact pads728. Additionally, the intermediate lead contact pads728extend farther than do the outermost lead contact pads718, which in the illustrated embodiment extend approximately to the terminal pad locations750. Because of their differing lengths, the respective pairs of lead contact pads have different spring rates. That is, the outermost lead contact pads718can have a spring rate that is equal to or greater than that of the intermediate lead contact pads728, which in turn have a spring rate that is equal to or greater than that of the innermost lead contact pads738. The relatively high spring rate outermost lead contact pads718can thus constrain the slider in position by providing a relatively high spring force to resist longitudinal and rotational movement of the slider. Additionally, the longer, lower spring rate intermediate and innermost lead contact pads728,738promote positive electrical contact between the slider terminal pads and the lead contact pads.

As shown in the end view ofFIG. 10B, the base portions714,724, and734generally lie in a plane760, and the respective lead contact pads are bent at form lines780such that the lead contact pads lie out of the plane760of the base portions. Extending the lead contact pads718,728, and738out of the general plane760of the base portions as shown inFIG. 10Bcontributes to the spring rate differentiation among the respective lead contact pads, and advantageously provides structures for resisting lifting of the slider under load.

It will be appreciated that the plurality of leads700can be used in and incorporated into any of the various flexure embodiments described herein.

The flexures of the various embodiments of the present invention have numerous advantages over conventional flexure designs in which the head slider is permanently mechanically mounted to the flexure. For example, any of the flexures described above can be used as a tool or fixture to facilitate testing (e.g., dynamic electrical testing as is known in the art) of the slider without fixedly attaching the slider to the flexure. The slider can be releasably mounted to the flexure/testing tool and a series of tests can be performed on the slider and/or the flexure/slider assembly. If the slider fails one or more of these tests, it can be removed and a new slider can be releasably mounted and tested. Thus, the flexure/testing tool can be reused, and need not be discarded if a slider fails the testing as is required when using conventional flexures to which the sliders are fixedly mounted prior to testing.

Additionally, if the slider passes the appropriate testing, and if desired, the slider can be permanently mounted to the flexure to provide a production flexure assembly. For example, the slider terminal pads and lead contact pads can be soldered together to both mechanically and electrically couple the slider to the flexure. Additionally or alternatively, the slider can be mechanically coupled to the flexure (e.g., to the tongue) using, for example, adhesives as are known in the art.

It will be appreciated that the deflectable members (e.g., the deflectable slider engagement member54) described above for releasably mounting a slider to a flexure can also be adapted to releasably mount other electrical components (e.g., an integrated circuit chip) to the flexure and/or other disk drive suspension component (e.g., the load beam).