Disk Clamp Lock for Hard Drive Bearing Span
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hard disk drives (HDDs) require dedicated space for screw-based disk clamps, which reduces the bearing span and gyro performance by occupying valuable height, necessitating a more efficient clamping mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece clamping device comprising a disk clamp and a lock ring that sits wholly above the disk, using an interference fit or shrink fit to secure the disk onto the hub without the need for screws, allowing for a uniform pressure application and increased bearing span.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw-based disk clamp is used to secure disks to the spindle motor assembly, then the disks are firmly clamped, but the height of the dedicated space required reduces the bearing span of the spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp transitions from a vertical screw-based design to a horizontal band design that wraps around the disk stack. This dimensional change allows the clamp to apply clamping force laterally rather than vertically, eliminating the need for vertical clearance and preserving bearing span while maintaining clamping effectiveness through friction and normal force.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw mechanism and its associated vertical space requirement are extracted from the clamping system. The clamp uses a simple elastic band design without screws, eliminating the dedicated vertical space needed for screw heads and threading while retaining the essential function of securing disks to the spindle.
2Reliability
If a screw-based clamp mechanism is used, then reliable disk securing is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to dedicated clamp and screw components
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp integrates the disk securing function and the fastening mechanism into a single elastic band component. Instead of separate clamp and screw elements, the elastic band combines both functions through its elastic deformation and friction-based holding mechanism, reducing component count and assembly complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band clamp is self-adjusting and self-locking through its elastic properties. When installed, it automatically applies clamping force and maintains it through elastic recovery, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms or fastening operations required by screw-based systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a clamping means for clamping at least one disk onto a hub at a mounting point on the hub for the at least one disk, wherein the clamping means is configured to sit wholly above the at least one disk; a seat in an outer perimeter of the hub configured to receive the clamping means; and a locking means for locking the clamping means onto the hub.