Coupling between rotating elements of magnetic storage devices

Abstract

To provide a magnetic storage device in which rotations between a head stack assembly and a base are improved.SOLUTION: A magnetic storage device includes a carriage arm 105 having an opening 106, and the opening defines a central axis 108 and has a plurality of ridges 113-1 to 113-4 parallel to the central axis. A cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis includes a plurality of robes 112-1 to 112-3 and each of the plurality of robes is terminated by two among the plurality of ridges. The magnetic storage device also includes a pivot which is in contact with the plurality of ridges and is arranged in the opening. The pivot has a circular cross-sectional shape along a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The carriage arm is rotatable about the central axis relative to at least one portion of the pivot.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to magnetic storage devices, and more particularly to improved rotation between a head stack assembly and a base of a magnetic storage device. [Background technology]

[0002] Magnetic storage devices, such as hard disk drives ("HDDs"), are widely used to store digital data or electronic information for enterprise data processing systems, computer workstations, portable computing devices, digital audio players, digital video players, and the like. Generally, HDDs include read / write heads that help facilitate the storage of data on the magnetic disks. These read / write heads are typically part of a head stack assembly that is configured to rotate relative to the disks such that the read / write heads read information from or write information to the disks. Rotating the head stack assembly efficiently and reliably can be difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] There is a need for a magnetic storage device having a read / write head that reads data from and writes data to a disk of the magnetic storage device with little or no interference, and an associated method of manufacture. In response to the current state of magnetic storage devices, and in particular to problems and needs in the art as discussed above that have not yet been fully resolved by currently available magnetic storage devices, the subject matter of this application has been developed. At least some of the shortcomings of the prior art are thereby overcome by embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0004] The following is a non-exhaustive list of embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, which may or may not be claimed.

[0005] Disclosed herein is a magnetic storage device comprising a carriage having an opening. The opening defines a central axis and has a plurality of ridges parallel to the central axis. A cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis includes a plurality of lobes, each of the plurality of lobes terminating in two of the plurality of ridges. The magnetic storage device also includes a pivot disposed in the opening in contact with the plurality of ridges. The pivot has a circular cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the central axis. The carriage is rotatable about the central axis relative to at least a portion of the pivot. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 1 of the present disclosure.

[0006] The cross-sectional shape of the opening includes two lobes.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 2 of the present disclosure, of which Example 2 includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0007] The opening includes four ridges. The cross-sectional shape of the opening includes three lobes. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 3 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to Example 1 above.

[0008] The pivot has an outer portion and an inner portion. The magnetic storage device includes a base. The outer portion and the carriage of the pivot rotate together relative to the base and the inner portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 4 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1-3 above.

[0009] The cross-sectional shape of the opening includes a circular portion terminating two of the ridges, the radius of the circular portion being equal to the radius of each of the ridges. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 5 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1-4 above.

[0010] The overall perimeter of each of the plurality of lobes is less than the overall perimeter of the circular portion. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, which also includes the subject matter according to any of the first through fifth embodiments above.

[0011] The lobes have the same radius.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 7 of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to any of Examples 1-6 above.

[0012] A ratio of a radius of at least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes to a radius of at least a second lobe of the plurality of lobes is greater than or equal to 1: 1 and less than or equal to 1: 4. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes an eighth example of the present disclosure, which includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1-6 above.

[0013] A distance from the central axis to each of the ridges is approximately equal to a radius of the pivot such that the pivot forms a friction fit with the ridges. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph constitutes Example 9 of the present disclosure, which also includes subject matter according to Examples 1-8 above.

[0014] The radius of each of the plurality of lobes terminates at a location offset from the central axis of the opening. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph constitutes a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, which may include any of the subject matter of embodiments 1-9 above.

[0015] The amount of the number of the ridges is greater than the amount of the plurality of lobes by one.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph constitutes an eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes any of the subject matter according to embodiments 1-10 above.

[0016] The central angle of each of the plurality of lobes is less than 180 degrees. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a twelfth example of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to any of the first through eleventh examples above.

[0017] The pivot is secured to the carriage by a pin.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes subject matter according to any of the first to twelfth embodiments described above.

[0018] The carriage is formed from at least one of aluminum, nickel, or any combination thereof.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to any of the first through thirteenth embodiments described above.

[0019] The pivot is formed from stainless steel.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure, which includes the subject matter according to any of the preceding embodiments 1-14.

[0020] A first number of the plurality of lobes has a perimeter that is different from a perimeter of a second number of the plurality of lobes. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 16 of the present disclosure, which includes subject matter according to any of Examples 1-6 or 8-15 above.

[0021] Also disclosed herein is a magnetic storage device comprising a carriage, the carriage having an opening, the opening defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to the central axis, a cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis includes a first lobe and a second lobe, each of the first lobe and the second lobe terminating in two of the plurality of ridges. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a seventeenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] A ratio of the second lobe's minor axis to the second lobe's major axis is between 1:1.01 and 1:1.2. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 18 of the present disclosure, which includes subject matter according to Example 17 above.

[0023] The central angle of the second lobe is greater than 180 degrees. The central angle of the first lobe is less than 180 degrees. The device includes a hard disk drive (HDD). The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes Example 19 of the present disclosure, which also includes the subject matter according to any of Examples 17-18 above.

[0024] Also disclosed herein is a magnetic storage device comprising: a base coupled to a number of disks; a pivot coupled to the base; a carriage coupled to the pivot by a pin; and the pivot. The carriage includes an opening defining a central axis. A cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis includes a number of lobes, each of the number of lobes terminating in two of the number of ridges. The carriage also includes a distal end having a read / write head configured to read data from and / or write data to at least one of the number of disks. The pivot is disposed in the opening in contact with the number of ridges. The pivot has a circular cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the central axis. The carriage is rotatable about the central axis relative to at least a portion of the pivot. The foregoing subject matter of this paragraph characterizes a twenty-first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] The described features, structures, advantages, and / or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples and / or embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to provide a thorough understanding of the examples of the subject matter of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and / or methods in a particular example or embodiment. In other examples, additional features and advantages may be recognized in a particular example and / or embodiment, but may not be present in all examples or embodiments. Furthermore, in some examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the subject matter as set forth below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] So that the advantages of the present disclosure may be readily understood, a more particular description of the present disclosure, briefly described above, will now be made with reference to certain embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are intended to illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. With this understanding, the subject matter of the present application will be described and interpreted with greater specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carriage of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 3A] 1 is a top view of an opening in a carriage of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a top view of a pivot within the opening of the carriage of FIG. 3A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] [Figure 3C] FIG. 4 is a close-up view of a ridge of the carriage opening of FIGS. 3A and 3B in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] [Figure 4A] 1 is a top view of an opening in a carriage of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a top view of a pivot within the opening of the carriage of FIG. 4A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] [Figure 5A] 1 is a top view of an opening in a carriage of a magnetic storage device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a top view of a pivot within the opening of the carriage of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0036] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "one example," or similar expressions mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that example is included in at least one example of the present disclosure. The occurrences of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in one embodiment," and similar expressions throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example. Similarly, use of the term "embodiment" means an embodiment having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more examples of the present disclosure, but an embodiment may be associated with one or more examples in the absence of an explicit correlation indicating otherwise.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment, the magnetic storage device 100 is shown as a hard disk drive (HDD). However, in other embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 may be any of a variety of magnetic storage devices without departing from the essence of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The magnetic storage device 100 includes a housing 102 that seals or encloses an interior cavity 114 defined within the housing. The housing 102 includes a base 130 and a cover 132 (shown in dashed lines so as not to obscure the internal features of the magnetic storage device 100 within the interior cavity 114 of the housing 102). The cover 132 is coupled to the base 130 to enclose the interior cavity 114 from an environment external to the housing 102. In some embodiments, a seal or gasket is disposed between the base 130 and the cover 132 to facilitate sealing between the base 130 and the cover 132.

[0038] The magnetic storage device 100 includes various features located within an internal cavity 114 of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 includes a carriage 103, a disk 115, a spindle motor 121, and a voice coil motor (VCM) 125 within the internal cavity 114. The carriage 103 includes a head stack assembly 107 including a plurality of carriage arms 105 and at least one head gimbal assembly 109 (e.g., a suspension) coupled to a distal tip of each of the plurality of carriage arms 105. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, only one head gimbal assembly 109 is shown coupled to a distal tip of each of the plurality of carriage arms 105. However, it should be noted that each carriage arm 105 may have another head gimbal assembly 109 on the opposite side of the carriage arm that mirrors the head gimbal assembly 109 shown. Each head gimbal assembly 109 includes a suspension assembly 135 and a slider 142. Slider 142 includes at least one read / write head coupled to (eg, embedded in) it.

[0039] 1 is shown having five carriage arms 105 and four disks 115, in other embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 can have fewer or more than five carriage arms 105, or fewer or more than four disks 115. In one embodiment, each side of each carriage arm 105 that faces the disks 115 has a head gimbal assembly 109 (e.g., each of the bottom carriage arm 105 and the top carriage arm 105 can have one head gimbal assembly 109, and each of the middle carriage arms 105 between the bottom carriage arm 105 and the top carriage arm 105 can have two head gimbal assemblies 109). Similarly, while the magnetic storage device 100 is shown having one spindle motor 121 and one VCM 125, in other embodiments, the magnetic storage device 100 can have any number of spindle motors 121 and VCMs 125.

[0040] The spindle motor 121 is coupled to the base 130. Generally, the spindle motor 121 includes a stationary portion immovably fixed relative to the base 130 and a spindle rotatable relative to the stationary portion and the base 130. As such, the spindle of the spindle motor 121 can be considered to be a part of the spindle motor or integral with the spindle motor. Generally, the spindle motor 121 is operable to rotate the spindle relative to the base 130. The disks 115 or platters are co-rotatably fixed to the spindle of the spindle motor 121 via respective hubs 122 that are co-rotatably fixed to the respective disks 115 and the spindle. As the spindle of the spindle motor 121 rotates, the disks 115 correspondingly rotate. In this manner, the spindle of the spindle motor 121 defines an axis of rotation for each disk 115. The spindle motor 121 can be operatively controlled to rotate the disks 115 in a rotational direction 190 at a controlled speed and by a controlled amount.

[0041] Each of the disks 115 can be any of a variety of types of magnetic recording media. In general, in one embodiment, each disk 115 includes a substrate and a magnetic material applied directly or indirectly to the substrate. For example, the magnetic material of the disks 115 can be a conventional granular magnetic recording disk or wafer having a magnetic layer bits with multiple magnetic grains in each bit. In granular magnetic media, the bits are all coplanar and the surface 116 of the disk is substantially smooth and continuous. In one embodiment, each bit has a magnetic dipole moment that can have either an in-plane (longitudinal) orientation or an out-of-plane (perpendicular) orientation.

[0042] As the disks 115 rotate in a read / write mode, the VCM 125 electromagnetically engages the voice coil of the carriage arm 105 to rotate the carriage arm 105, and the head gimbal assembly 109 coupled to the carriage arm 105, in a rotational direction relative to the disks 115 along a plane parallel to the read / write surface 155 of the disks 115. The carriage arm 105 can be rotated to position the read / write heads of the head gimbal assembly 109 over designated radial regions of the corresponding read / write surface 155 of the disks 115 for read and / or write operations. The VCM 125 engages and is secured to the base 130 with the voice coil of the carriage arm 105, which is rotatably coupled to the base 130 via a spindle 127 extending through the carriage 103. In general, the spindle 127 defines an axis of rotation about which the carriage arm 105 rotates when actuated by the VCM 125.

[0043] The carriage arms 105 are immovably fixed to the base of the carriage 103 (e.g., integrally formed with the base of the carriage 103 as a one-piece unitary monolithic body) so as to be spaced apart from one another and extend away from the base of the carriage 103. In some embodiments, the carriage arms 105 are equidistantly spaced apart from one another and extend parallel to one another. Each of the disks 115 is disposed between adjacent carriage arms 105. In an idle mode (e.g., when no read / write operations are being performed), the VCM 125 is actuated to rotate the carriage arms 105 radially outward relative to the disks 115 such that the head gimbal assemblies 109 are parked or unloaded on the ramp support 117 fixed to the base 130.

[0044] Each read / write head of the slider 142 includes at least one read transducer and at least one write transducer. The read transducer is configured to detect a magnetic characteristic (e.g., a magnetic bit pattern) of the disk 115 and convert the magnetic characteristic into an electrical signal. In response, the write transducer changes the magnetic characteristic of the disk 115 in response to the electrical signal. For each head gimbal assembly 109, an electrical signal is transmitted to or from the read / write head via electrical traces or lines 198 formed or coupled within the slider 142 and the flexure 140 (see, e.g., FIGS. 5-7). The electrical traces of the slider 142 and the flexure 140 are electrically interconnected to facilitate transmission of electrical signals between the read / write head and a flex connector 104 of the magnetic storage device 100, which communicates with a control module of the magnetic storage device 100 (see, e.g., FIG. 1). The control module is configured to process the electrical signals and facilitate communication of the electrical signals between the magnetic storage device 100 and one or more external computing devices. Generally, the control module includes software, firmware, and / or hardware used to control the operation of various components of the magnetic storage device 100. The control module may include a printed circuit board on or within which the hardware is mounted. As described in more detail below, solder welding is utilized to electrically connect corresponding electrical contact pads (and corresponding electrical traces) of the slider 142 and the flexure 140.

[0045] Although not shown, in some embodiments, the head gimbal assembly 109 also includes a head actuator selectively operable to move the read / write head relative to the hinge portion of the flexure 140 .

[0046] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carriage 103 of a magnetic storage device (e.g., the magnetic storage device 100 of FIG. 1) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The carriage 103 includes a body 166 and a head stack assembly 107 coupled to and extending from the body 166. The head stack assembly 107 includes a plurality of carriage arms 105. In some embodiments, the head stack assembly 107 is a stack of a plurality of carriage arms 105, each of which includes a distal end 134. Although not shown in FIG. 2, each distal end 134 may include one or more head gimbal assemblies (e.g., the head gimbal assemblies 109 of FIG. 1). The read / write heads 134 enable data to be read from and written to one or more disks (e.g., the disks 115 of FIG. 1) of the magnetic storage device 100. 2 illustrates a head stack assembly 107 having eleven carriage arms 105, other embodiments of the present disclosure are not so limited, such that the head stack assembly 107 may include any number of carriage arms 105. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, unless otherwise stated, features described herein with respect to any particular carriage arm 105 may also be applicable to any other one of the carriage arms 105 of the head stack assembly 107.

[0047] The carriage 103 rotates relative to a base 130 of the magnetic storage device 100 so that a read / write head (e.g., read / write head 134 in FIGS. 1 and 2 ) coupled to the carriage arm 105 can contact the disk 115. Thus, the carriage 103 includes a pivot 127 (e.g., spindle 127 in FIG. 1 ) having a portion that is fixed relative to the base 130 (e.g., inner portion 127A) and rotatable relative to the base 130 (e.g., outer portion 127B). As described in more detail below, the body 166 and the carriage arm 105 are coupled to the pivot 127 so as to rotate relative to the base 130 about a pivot axis 169 defined by the pivot 127. The pivot 127 is received in an opening 106 in the body 166 that extends completely through the body 166.

[0048] In some embodiments, the pivot 127 includes an inner portion 127A and an outer portion 127B. The outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 rotates about a pivot axis 169 relative to the inner portion 127A of the pivot 127. The inner portion 127A is co-rotatably fixed to the base 130 such that the inner portion 127A cannot rotate relative to the base 130. The carriage 103 including the body 166 and the carriage arm 105 is co-rotatably fixed to the outer portion 127B such that the carriage 103 cannot rotate relative to the carriage 103. Thus, the outer portion 127B co-rotates with the carriage 103, and the outer portion 127B and the carriage 103 rotate relative to the base 130 of the magnetic storage device 130. The pivot 127 further includes a bearing between the outer portion 127B and the inner portion 127A to facilitate relative rotation between the inner portion 127A and the outer portion 127B by reducing friction.

[0049] Although not shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, a portion of the pivot 127 is rotatable via the VCM of the magnetic storage device 100 (e.g., the VCM 125 shown in FIG. 1). For example, the outer portion 127B (or "rotatable portion") of the pivot 127 is coupled to and driven by the VCM. This causes the VCM to rotate the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127, and thus the carriage 103, relative to the base 130 and the inner portion 127A (or "stationary portion") of the pivot 127. In other embodiments, the VCM electromagnetically engages a voice coil of the carriage arm 105 to rotate the carriage arm 105, which in turn rotates the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 due to a friction fit between the outer portion 127B and the carriage 103.

[0050] In some embodiments, the pivot 127 is secured to the carriage 103 by a set screw 118. For example, the set screw 118 threads through a side opening 160 formed in the body 166. The tip of the set screw 118 engages the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 to secure or lock the body 166, and therefore the entire carriage 103, to the outer portion 127B. In some embodiments, the set screw 118 is cylindrical. Although referred to herein as a "set screw," embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, means other than a set screw can be used to co-rotatably secure the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 to the carriage 103.

[0051] The carriage 103 is formed from a first material, which may include at least one of aluminum, nickel, or any combination thereof. The pivot 127 is formed from a second material, such as stainless steel, that is different from the first material.

[0052] 3A, a cross section of the imaginary opening 111 for receiving the pivot 127 is shown. The imaginary opening 111 has a circular shape that defines a central axis 108 that is coaxial with the central axis 169 defined by the pivot 127 when the pivot 127 is in the imaginary opening 111 (the imaginary opening 111 may be referred to herein as a "circular shape 111"). The radius R of the imaginary opening 111 is substantially equal to (e.g., slightly larger than) the maximum radius of the pivot 127 such that the pivot 127 forms a friction fit with the entire circumferential surface of the imaginary opening 111. However, as described above, due to the different materials of the carriage 103 and the pivot 127, a temperature difference may be formed during operation of the magnetic storage device 100, which may cause thermal expansion and contraction of the carriage 103 and the pivot 127 relative to each other. Such relative thermal expansion between the carriage 103 and the pivot 127 can induce vibrations in the carriage 103, including vibrations in the read / write head 134. Such vibrations are problematic because they can degrade the quality of data transmission between the head 134 and the disk 115. Also, excessive contact area between the pivot 127 and the surface of the opening 106 in the carriage 103 can cause a slippage effect that involves the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 rotating relative to the carriage 103. The slippage effect prevents the carriage 103, and therefore the carriage arm 105, from rotating with the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 as smoothly, quickly, and seamlessly as possible. Reducing the contact area between the surface of the opening in the carriage 103 and the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 is desirable because it reduces vibrations in the carriage 103 and ensures reliable co-rotation of the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127 with the carriage 103. Next, an embodiment for reducing the contact area between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 5B.

[0053] Although not explicitly shown in Figures 3A-5B, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the opening 106 and pivot 127 shown in Figures 3A-5B are part of the magnetic storage device 100. As discussed above in connection with Figure 1, the magnetic storage device 100 includes a base 130 coupled to a number of disks 115.

[0054] 3A-5B, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 106 on a plane perpendicular to the central axis 108 of the opening 106 is non-circular. In other words, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 106 may be partially circular (e.g., portion 111) but is not entirely circular. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot 127 has a circular cross-sectional shape along a plane perpendicular to the central axis 108, such that the pivot 127 has a cylindrical shape. The pivot 127 can have any of a variety of other shapes that correspond appropriately to the shape of the opening 106. When the pivot 127 is received within the opening 106, the pivot axis 169 is coaxial with the central axis 108 of the opening 106.

[0055] The opening 106 is slightly larger than the pivot 127 (i.e., the smallest dimension (e.g., smallest radius) from the edge of the opening 106 away from the central axis 108 is at least slightly larger than the radius R-4 of the pivot 127). This small difference creates a friction fit between the carriage 103 and the pivot 127. The pivot 127 fits within the opening 106 but contacts at least some portion of the edge of the opening 106 formed in the body 166 of the carriage 103. In some embodiments, the opening 106 has a minimum diameter that is less than one percent larger than the diameter of the pivot 127. The contact between the edge of the opening 106 and the pivot 127 causes the carriage 103, and therefore the carriage arm 105, to rotate with the pivot 127 as the pivot 127 rotates.

[0056] 3A is a top view of an opening 106 of a carriage 103 of a magnetic storage device (e.g., the magnetic storage device 100 of FIG. 1) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. To reduce contact between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103, the opening 106 is enlarged along one or more portions of the opening 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the opening 106 includes a regular portion 168 and three enlarged portions (e.g., a first lobe 112-1, a second lobe 112-2, and a third lobe 112-3). In some embodiments, the regular portion 168 of the opening 106 is a portion of an edge of the opening 106 that coincides with the imaginary circle 111. The regular portion 168 is curved.

[0057] As mentioned above, the cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis 108 includes multiple lobes (e.g., lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3 in FIG. 3A). As used herein, the term "lobe" may be used to describe any portion of the cross-sectional shape of the opening 106 that extends at least partially radially and outwardly. For example, a "lobe" may be an arc, a portion of a circle, or may have other shapes, such as a polygon. A "lobe" may be referred to as an "enlarged portion" of the opening 106. In some embodiments, the lobes 112-1-112-3 are each formed relatively symmetrically. In other embodiments, one or more of the lobes 112-1-112-3 are formed asymmetrically.

[0058] In some embodiments, each of the lobes may define an arc having a center point that is laterally offset from the central axis 108 (e.g., the center of the regular portion 168). In the illustrated embodiment, each of the plurality of lobes 112-1-112-3 has a corresponding radius (e.g., R-1, R-2, or R-3) defined from a corresponding location (i.e., center point 119-1, center point 119-2, or center point 119-3) that is offset from the central axis 108 of the opening 306. Although FIG. 3A illustrates center points 119-1, 119-2, and 119-3 offset from the central axis 108 by a relatively small distance, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited in this respect. In some embodiments, one or more of the lobes 112-1-112-3 have center points 119-1-119-3 that are located at a point on or near an edge of the imaginary opening 111.

[0059] Except for the enlarged portion, the remaining portion of the opening 106 (e.g., the regular portion 168) has a radius R about the central axis 108 that is slightly larger than the radius R-4 of the pivot 127 and larger than the radius R-1 of the first lobe 112-1, the radius R-2 of the second lobe 112-2, and the radius R-3 of the third lobe 112-3. In some embodiments, the ratio of the radius R of the regular portion 168 to the radius of at least one lobe is between 1:1 and 1:4. This ratio may apply to only one lobe, all lobes, or any number of lobes. The center points of the lobes 112 may be offset from the central axis 108 either horizontally (i.e., toward or away from the carriage arm 105) or vertically. For example, in FIG. 3A, center point 119-2 of lobe 112-2 is vertically offset from central axis 108, and center point 119-1 of lobe 112-1 is horizontally offset from central axis 108 (ie, away from carriage arm 105).

[0060] In some embodiments, the radii R-1, R-2, and R-3 of each of the plurality of lobes 112 are equal. However, in other embodiments, certain lobes of the plurality of lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3 have a larger radius than the other lobes. A first number of lobes (e.g., lobes 112-1 and 112-3) of the plurality of lobes 112 have an overall perimeter that is different from an overall perimeter of a second number of lobes (e.g., 112-2) of the plurality of lobes. The first number of lobes (e.g., lobes 112-1 and 112-3) have a smaller radius than the radius of the second number of lobes (e.g., lobe 112-2). For example, the ratio of the radius (e.g., R-1 and R-3) of a first number of lobes (e.g., 112-1 and 112-3) of the plurality of lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3 to the radius (e.g., R-2) of a second number of lobes (e.g., 112-2) of the plurality of lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3 is between 1:1.05 and 1:2.6. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the radius R-2 of one lobe 112-2 is larger than the radii R-1 and R-3 of the other lobes 112-1 and 112-3. R-2 is, for example, about 5 millimeters, and R-1 and R-3 are, for example, about 3.8 millimeters. In another example, R-2 is about 5 millimeters, and R-1 and R-3 are each about 2.2 millimeters. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, R-1 and R-3 may be in the range of 1 to 4.6 millimeters, and R-2 may be in the range of 4 to 6 millimeters. In some embodiments, the optimal ratio of the radii R-1 and R-3 of the other two lobes 112-1 and 112-3 to the radius R-2 of the lobe 112-2 is between 1:1.04 and 1:1.58. The dimensions described in the previous paragraph are exemplary. Such dimensions may be optimal to minimize contact between the pivot 127 and the body 166 of the carriage 103, thereby reducing slippage and thermal expansion.

[0061] Although not shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the perimeter of each of the lobes (e.g., 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3 in FIG. 3B) is the same. In some embodiments, the total perimeter of each of the multiple lobes is less than the total perimeter of the regular portion 168.

[0062] The opening 106 also includes a number of ridges (e.g., ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4 in FIG. 3A ) that extend parallel to the thickness of the body 166 and thus parallel to the central axis 108. Each of the number of ridges is defined by an intersection between two enlarged portions (e.g., the intersection between the first lobe 112-1 and the second lobe 112-2 in FIG. 3A ) or an intersection between an enlarged portion and a regular portion (e.g., the intersection between the first lobe 112-1 and the regular portion 168 in FIG. 3A ). For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A , the opening 106 includes four ridges (e.g., the first ridge 113-1, the second ridge 113-2, the third ridge 113-3, and the fourth ridge 113-4). A first ridge 113-1 is defined by an intersection between lobe 112-3 and lobe 112-2. A second ridge 113-2 is defined by an intersection between lobe 112-2 and lobe 112-1. A third ridge 113-3 is defined by an intersection between lobe 112-1 and regular portion 168. A fourth ridge 113-4 is defined by an intersection between lobe 112-3 and regular portion 168. Each of the ridges defines a surface that contacts pivot 127.

[0063] In some embodiments, the amount of ridges can be greater than the amount of lobes. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a cross-section of opening 106 includes three lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3. The cross-section of opening 106 also includes four ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4. Each ridge 113 is an end of at least one, if not two, of lobes 112.

[0064] 3B is a top view of the pivot 127 within the opening 106 of the carriage 103, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The pivot 127 is disposed within the opening 106 in contact with a plurality of ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3B, the pivot 127 is positioned to contact the carriage 103 only at the ridges (e.g., the first ridge 113-1, the second ridge 113-2, the third ridge 113-3, and the fourth ridge 113-4). In other words, the ridges are the only points of contact between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103. In this manner, the pivot 127 does not contact the faces of the opening 106 that define the lobes (e.g., the lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3 in FIG. 3A) or the regular portion 168, such that a gap (e.g., the gap 164) is defined between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103 at the lobes and the regular portion 168.

[0066] Additionally, the ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4 contact the pivot 127, thereby further enhancing the friction fit between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103 mentioned above. This allows the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127B to remain stationary relative to the carriage 103 while the outer portion 127B rotates relative to the inner portion 127A. The carriage 103 then rotates relative to the inner portion 127A, which is fixed to the base 130 of the device 100. This allows the carriage arm 105 to move into position so that the read / write head 134 can contact the disk 115 to exchange data. The embodiments of the present disclosure allow this rotation without increasing the contact area between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103, regardless of differences in material, temperature, or roughness of the carriage 103 and the pivot 127.

[0067] The distance from the central axis 108 to each of the plurality of ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4 (or the radius R of the circle 111) is approximately equal to the radius R-4 of the pivot 127. In some embodiments, the radius R-4 of the pivot 127 is slightly less than the distance (R) from the central axis 108 to each of the plurality of ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4. In some embodiments, the friction fit is further supported by the pin 118 described in connection with FIG. 2, which can provide an additional point of contact with the outer portion 127B of the pivot 127.

[0068] FIG. 3C is a close-up view of ridge 113-1 of FIG. 3B, which may be illustrative of any of ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and / or 113-4. The geometry of ridge 113-1 may be optimized to minimize contact between pivot 127 and carriage 103, and thus minimize the risk of signal degradation. Various lines are described in relation to FIG. 3C. For the purposes of FIG. 3C, "lines" do not refer to any physical components of magnetic storage device 100, but rather to imaginary lines. Thus, "drawing lines" is merely done virtually to design lobes 112-1, 112-2, and / or 112-3. Line 138 is a line tangent to lobe 112-3 at ridge 113-1, where lobe 112-3 meets adjacent lobe 112-2. Line 139 is a line tangent to pivot 127 at ridge 113-1. In some embodiments, the angle 154 between the lines 138 and 139 is optimized to reduce contact between the pivot 127 at the ridge 113-1 and the carriage 103. For example, the angle 154 may be optimally equal to about 6 degrees. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto and include other angles 154.

[0069] In some embodiments, the gap 152 between the pivot 127 and the lobe 112-3 is also optimized. One method of optimization according to embodiments of the present disclosure includes first drawing an imaginary line 156 in a first direction from the ridge 113-1. The line 156 is in the same horizontal plane as the cross-section of the opening 106, which is a plane perpendicular to the central axis 108. In some embodiments, the line 156 is substantially parallel to an edge of the carriage 103. In some embodiments, the line 156 is substantially perpendicular to an imaginary line in FIG. 3B that represents the radius R-4 of the pivot. A point 158 ​​along the pivot 127 is then located. A distance 150 in a second direction from the point 158 ​​to the line 156 can be optimized to reduce contact between the carriage 103 and the pivot 127 at the ridge 113-1. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction and is in a horizontal plane parallel to the cross-section of the opening 106 or perpendicular to the central axis 108. For example, the distance 150 may be 0.1 millimeters. In such an embodiment, the method includes locating a point 158 ​​where the distance 150 between the edge of the pivot 127 and the line 156 is approximately 0.1 millimeters. Depending on the curvature of the pivot, the distance 150 increases or decreases at different points along the pivot 127.

[0070] In some embodiments, the distance 152 in the first direction between the location 158 and the edge of the lobe 112-3, or the gap between the lobe 112-3 and the pivot 127, is also optimized. For example, the optimal distance 152 may be 0.015 millimeters. In such embodiments, the lobe 112-3 is designed and formed such that the distance 152 is equal to about 0.015 millimeters. In some embodiments, the lobe 112-3 is designed and formed such that the distance 152 is about 0.015 millimeters, the distance 150 is about 0.1 millimeters, and the angle 154 is about 6 degrees. Examples of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, a range of 0.08-0.12 millimeters for the distance 150, a range of 0.012-0.018 millimeters for the distance 152, and a range of 5-7 degrees for the angle 154. However, dimensions outside these ranges may be appropriate in certain embodiments.

[0071] Formation of the lobes (eg, lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3) of opening 106 and the ridges (eg, ridges 113-1, 113-2, 113-3, and 113-4) of carriage 103 may include etching, drilling, reaming, or any combination thereof.

[0072] FIG. 4A is a top view of the opening 106 in the body 166 of the carriage 103, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 106 includes a regular portion 168 and only two enlarged portions (i.e., lobes 112-1 and 112-2) as opposed to the three enlarged portions (lobes 112-1, 112-2, and 112-3) shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the two lobes 112-1 and 112-2 are adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. 4A. However, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the opening 106 includes an additional section of the regular portion 168 between the two lobes, i.e., lobes 112-1 and 112-2, such that lobes 112-1 and 112-2 are not directly adjacent to each other.

[0073] FIG. 4B is a top view of the pivot 127 in the opening 106 of the carriage 103, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the number of contact points between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103 is different from the number of contact points present in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B as a result of the different number of lobes 112-1 and 112-2. As shown in FIG. 4B, the pivot 127 contacts the carriage 103 at each of the multiple ridges 113-1 and 113-2 and along the regular portion 168. Thus, the gap 164 shown in FIG. 3B may not be present in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B due to the different number of ridges 113-1 and 113-2. However, the contact area between the pivot 127 and the carriage 103 is still reduced in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B compared to the embodiment without any lobes 112-1 and 112-2.

[0074] 5A is a top view of an opening 106 of a carriage 103, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5A, the magnetic storage device 100 includes a carriage 103. The carriage 103 includes an opening 106, which defines a central axis 108 and has a plurality of ridges 113-1 and 113-2. The ridges 113-1 and 113-2 are defined by the intersections of the lobes 112-1 and 112-2, respectively. The ridges 113-1 and 113-2 are parallel to the central axis 108. A cross-sectional shape of the opening 106 along a plane perpendicular to the central axis 108 includes a first lobe 112-2 and a second lobe 112-1. Each of the first lobe 112-1 and the second lobe 112-2 terminates in two of a plurality of ridges (ie, ridges 113-1 and 113-2).

[0075] When used in conjunction with FIGS. 5A and 5B, the second lobe 112-2 may correspond to the "regular portion 168" of FIGS. 3A-4B. In some embodiments, the cross section of the opening 106 is first formed to a shape similar to the imaginary circle 111 shown in FIG. 5A. This cross section 111 is then expanded laterally on either side to create the opening 106 having an elliptical cross-sectional shape 162 that includes the second lobe 112-2. The opening 106 is then expanded by adding the first lobe 112-1. In some embodiments, the expansion process described in conjunction with FIGS. 3A and 3B is applied to create the first lobe 112-1 and / or expand the opening from the circle 111 to the elliptical shape 162.

[0076] 5A, the central angle of the second lobe 112-2 is greater than 180 degrees. The central angle 136 of the first lobe 112-1 is less than 180 degrees. The second lobe 112-2 and the first lobe 112-1 may contact each other at each of their two end points such that the central angles of the second lobe 112-2 and the central angle 136 of the first lobe 112-1 sum to 360 degrees.

[0077] 5A and 5B, the terms "first" and "second" lobe are used to distinguish between the two lobes 112-1 and 112-2 and do not imply a particular order of formation. In some embodiments, the second lobe 112-2 is formed first as part of the expansion of the opening 106 from the initial circular shape 111 to the elliptical shape 162, and the first lobe 112-1 is added thereafter.

[0078] In some embodiments, the ratio of the minor radius 126 of the second lobe 112-2 to the major radius 124 of the second lobe 112-2 is between 1:1.01 and 1:1.2. For example, the major radius 124 can be about 6.02 millimeters and the minor radius 126 can be about 5.25 millimeters. In some embodiments, the second lobe 112-2 includes portions 112-2A and 112-2B that extend laterally outward from the circular shape 111. In some embodiments, the portions 112-2A and 112-B are arcs having center points 119-1 and 119-2 that are laterally offset from the central axis 108. Each of these portions 112-2A and 112-2B expands the circular portion 111 of the cross section of the opening into an ellipse 162. These arcs 112-1 and 112-2 can be similar or identical in size. For example, dimensions D-1 and D-2 (extending laterally from center points 119-1 and 119-2 to the edges of portions 112-2A and 112-2B) are similar, and center points 119-1 and 119-2 are offset equally from central axis 108. For example, center points 119-1 and 119-2 are each offset laterally from the central axis by approximately 0.752 millimeters. In some embodiments, dimensions D-1 and D-2 are also equal to the radius of initial circle 111, which is also minor radius 126 of ellipse 162. In some embodiments, minor radius 162 is equal to approximately 5.25 millimeters, and arc lobes 112-2A and 112-2B also have dimensions D-1 and D-2 of approximately 5.25 millimeters.

[0079] Reaming, etching, or any other suitable process may be used to expand the circle of the opening 106 into an ellipse. The first lobe 112-1 may be added to the opening 106 using any suitable process. For example, the opening 106 of FIG. 5A is formed by a process similar to that described in connection with FIGS. 3A-4B. In some embodiments, the cross-section of the opening 106 initially comprises a circle 111. The circle 111 is elongated by expanding the opening 106 equally on each side. For example, the cross-section of the opening 106 initially comprises a circle having a radius R.

[0080] FIG. 5B is a top view of the pivot 127 in the opening 106 of FIG. 5A in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5A, the pivot 127 contacts the carriage 103 at three locations. These locations include the ridges 113-1 and 113-2, and the regular portion 168 of the second lobe 112-2. Thus, the embodiment shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B provides an alternative design to the shape of the opening 106 shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, and provides the advantage of a reduced contact area between the carriage 103 and the pivot 127, particularly as compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, where the pivot 127 contacts the body 166 along the regular portion 168.

[0081] In the above description, the terms "spindle" and "pivot" may be used interchangeably to refer to any element that provides some degree of rotation.

[0082] In the above description, certain terms may be used, such as "up," "down," "upper," "lower," "horizontal," "vertical," "left," "right," "above," and "below." These terms are used where applicable to clarify the description when dealing with relative relationships. However, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and / or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, a "top" surface can become a "bottom" surface simply by flipping the object over. The object is still the same object. Additionally, the terms "including," "comprising," and "having," and variations thereof, mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and / or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a," "an," and "the" also refer to "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise. Additionally, the term "plurality" may be defined as "at least two."

[0083] As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured" to perform a specified function does not merely have the potential to perform the specified function after further modification, but can certainly perform the specified function without any modification. In other words, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is "configured" to perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, realized, utilized, programmed, and / or designed to perform the specified function. As used herein, "configured" refers to the existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware that is described as "configured" to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as "adapted" and / or "operable" to perform that function.

[0084] Also, examples herein of one element being "coupled" to another element can include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element being coupled to another element and being in some contact. Indirect coupling can be defined as a coupling where the two elements are not in direct contact with each other, but there are one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Furthermore, as used herein, fixing one element to another element can include direct coupling and indirect coupling. Also, as used herein, "adjacent" does not necessarily mean in contact. For example, one element can be adjacent to another element without contacting it.

[0085] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of," when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one of the items in the list may be required. The items may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, "at least one of" means that any combination or number of items from the list may be used, but not all items in the list may be required. For example, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may mean "item A," "item A and item B," "item B," "item A, item B, and item C," or "item B and item C." In some cases, "at least one of item A, item B, and item C" may mean, for example, but not limited to, "2 item A, 1 item B, and 10 item C," "4 item B, and 7 item C," or other suitable combinations.

[0086] Unless otherwise indicated, terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose any sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which they refer. Furthermore, a reference to, for example, a "second" item does not require or exclude the presence of, for example, a "first" or lower numbered item, and / or, for example, a "third" or higher numbered item.

[0087] The subject matter of the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope. This specification discloses the following items. (Item 1) a carriage including an opening defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to the central axis, a cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis including a plurality of lobes, each of the plurality of lobes terminating in two of the plurality of ridges; a pivot disposed in the opening in contact with the plurality of ridges, the pivot has a circular cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the central axis, the carriage is rotatable about the central axis with respect to at least one portion of the pivot; A magnetic storage device comprising: (Item 2) 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the opening includes two lobes. (Item 3) the opening includes four ridges; the cross-sectional shape of the opening includes three lobes; 2. The magnetic storage device according to item 1. (Item 4) an outer portion of the pivot; an inner portion of the pivot; a base, the outer portion of the pivot and the carriage configured to rotate together relative to the base and the inner portion of the pivot; 2. The magnetic storage device according to item 1, further comprising: (Item 5) the cross-sectional shape of the opening further includes a circular portion terminating at two of the plurality of ridges; the radii of the lobes are the same; a radius of the circular portion equal to a radius of each of the plurality of ridges; 2. The magnetic storage device according to item 1. (Item 6) 6. The magnetic storage device according to item 5, wherein the total perimeter of each of the plurality of lobes is smaller than the total perimeter of the circular portion. (Item 7) 2. The magnetic storage device according to item 1, wherein a ratio of a radius of at least a first lobe of the plurality of lobes to a radius of at least a second lobe of the plurality of lobes is greater than or equal to 1:1 and less than or equal to 1:4. (Item 8) 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein a distance from the central axis to each of the plurality of ridges is approximately equal to a radius of the pivot such that the pivot forms a friction fit with the plurality of ridges. (Item 9) 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein a radius of each of the plurality of lobes terminates at a position offset from the central axis of the opening. (Item 10) 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the quantity of the ridges is one more than the quantity of the plurality of lobes. (Item 11) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the central angle of each of the plurality of lobes is less than 180 degrees. (Item 12) 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivot is secured to the carriage by a pin. (Item 13) the carriage is formed from at least one of aluminum, nickel, or any combination thereof; 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pivot is formed from stainless steel. (Item 14) Item 1 . The apparatus of item 1 , wherein a first number of the plurality of lobes has an overall perimeter that is different than an overall perimeter of a second number of the plurality of lobes. (Item 15) a carriage including: an opening defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to the central axis, a cross-sectional shape of the opening along a plane perpendicular to the central axis including a first lobe and a second lobe, each of the first lobe and the second lobe terminating in two of the plurality of ridges; A magnetic storage device comprising: (Item 16) Item 16. The apparatus of item 15, wherein a ratio of a minor axis of the second lobe to a major axis of the second lobe is between 1:1.01 and 1:1.2. (Item 17) Item 16. The apparatus of item 15, wherein the central angle of the second lobe is greater than 180 degrees. (Item 18) Item 16. The apparatus of item 15, wherein the central angle of the first lobe is less than 180 degrees. (Item 19) Item 16. The device of item 15, wherein the device includes a hard disk drive (HDD). (Item 20) a base coupled to a number of disks; a pivot coupled to the base; a carriage coupled to the pivot by a pin, an aperture defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to said central axis, said aperture having a cross-sectional shape taken along a plane perpendicular to said central axis that includes a plurality of lobes, each of said plurality of lobes terminating in two of said plurality of ridges; the carriage including an arm having a distal end with a read / write head configured to read data from and / or write data to at least one disk of the multiple disks; a pivot disposed in the opening in contact with the ridges, the pivot having a circular cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the central axis, the carriage being rotatable about the central axis relative to at least a portion of the pivot; and A magnetic storage device comprising:

Claims

1. a carriage including an opening defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to said central axis, a cross-sectional shape of said opening along a plane perpendicular to said central axis including a plurality of lobes and a circular portion terminating in two of said plurality of ridges, each of said plurality of lobes terminating in two of said plurality of ridges, and an amount of said plurality of ridges being one greater than an amount of said plurality of lobes; a pivot disposed in the opening in contact with the plurality of ridges, the pivot has a circular cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the central axis, the carriage is rotatable about the central axis with respect to at least one portion of the pivot; A magnetic storage device comprising:

2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional shape of the opening includes two lobes.

3. the amount of ridges includes four ridges; the plurality of lobes includes three lobes; 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1.

4. an outer portion of the pivot; an inner portion of the pivot; a base, the outer portion of the pivot and the carriage configured to rotate together relative to the base and the inner portion of the pivot; The magnetic storage device of claim 1 further comprising:

5. The radii of the plurality of lobes are the same; a radius of the circular portion equal to a distance from a center of the circular portion to each of the plurality of ridges; 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1.

6. 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1, wherein a total perimeter of each of said plurality of lobes is smaller than a total perimeter of said circular portion.

7. 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of a radius of at least a first lobe of said plurality of lobes to a radius of at least a second lobe of said plurality of lobes is greater than or equal to 1:1 and less than or equal to 1:

4.

8. 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein a distance from said central axis to each of said plurality of ridges is approximately equal to a radius of said pivot such that said pivot forms a friction fit with said plurality of ridges.

9. 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein a radius of each of said plurality of lobes terminates at a position offset from said central axis of said opening.

10. 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1, wherein the central angle of each of the plurality of lobes is less than 180 degrees.

11. 2. The magnetic storage device according to claim 1, wherein the pivot is fixed to the carriage by a pin.

12. the carriage is formed from at least one of aluminum, nickel, or any combination thereof; The magnetic storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the pivot is made of stainless steel.

13. 2. The magnetic storage device of claim 1, wherein a first number of said plurality of lobes have a different overall perimeter than a second number of said plurality of lobes.

14. a carriage including: an opening defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to said central axis, a cross-sectional shape of said opening along a plane perpendicular to said central axis including a plurality of lobes and a circular portion terminating in two of said plurality of ridges, each of said plurality of lobes terminating in two of said plurality of ridges, and an amount of said plurality of ridges being one greater than an amount of said plurality of lobes; A magnetic storage device comprising:

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of lobes includes a first lobe and a second lobe; 15. The magnetic storage device of claim 14, wherein a ratio of the minor axis of the second lobe to the major axis of the second lobe is between 1:1.01 and 1:1.

2.

16. 16. The magnetic storage device of claim 15, wherein the central angle of the second lobe is greater than 180 degrees.

17. 16. The magnetic storage device of claim 15, wherein the central angle of the first lobe is less than 180 degrees.

18. The magnetic storage device of claim 14, wherein the magnetic storage device comprises a hard disk drive (HDD).

19. a base coupled to a number of disks; a pivot coupled to the base; a carriage coupled to the pivot by a pin, an opening defining a central axis and having a plurality of ridges parallel to said central axis, a cross-sectional shape of said opening along a plane perpendicular to said central axis includes a plurality of lobes and a circular portion terminating in two of said ridges, each of said plurality of lobes terminating in two of said plurality of ridges, and an amount of said plurality of ridges is one greater than an amount of said plurality of lobes; the carriage including an arm having a distal end with a read / write head configured to read data from and / or write data to at least one disk of the multiple disks; the pivot is disposed in the opening in contact with the plurality of ridges, the pivot has a circular cross-sectional shape along the plane perpendicular to the central axis, and the carriage is rotatable about the central axis relative to at least a portion of the pivot. Magnetic storage device.

20. The magnetic memory device of claim 1, wherein the sum of the circumferences of the plurality of lobes is less than the circumference of the circular portion.

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