Disk Deflection Damper for Mechanical Shock Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disk drives face damage and data loss due to non-operational mechanical shocks, particularly with aluminum disks, as they deflect and contact the disk drive base, exacerbated by multiple disks which increase impact force and reduce clearance, posing challenges in meeting stringent mechanical shock robustness specifications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating visco-elastic dampers made of materials like elastomeric materials or rubber, positioned strategically around the disk drive to absorb impact forces and reduce deflection, along with a ramp and disk limiter to distribute contact points and minimize damage, while maintaining operational clearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple disks are used in a disk drive, then storage capacity is improved, but impact force during mechanical shock increases and clearance between bottom disk and base decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damper structure positioned between the bottom disk and the base, designed to cushion impact forces before they can cause damage. The damper includes a resilient portion that compresses during impact, absorbing shock energy and preventing direct transmission of force to the disk, thereby protecting against the increased impact force caused by multiple disks.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper acts as an intermediary element between the bottom disk and the base. Instead of allowing direct contact and force transmission, the damper mediates the interaction by providing a compliant interface that absorbs impact energy, reducing the harmful effects of increased impact force while maintaining the structural integrity of the disk drive.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple disks are used in a disk drive, then storage capacity is improved, but clearance between bottom disk and base decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper structure is positioned to provide cushioning in the clearance space between the bottom disk and base. By filling this gap with a compliant material, the damper maintains adequate clearance even when multiple disks are present, preventing direct contact during shock events while still providing impact absorption.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If nominal clearance is increased to prevent disk impact, then disk damage is reduced, but dimensional constraints of disk drive are violated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the nominal clearance dimension, the patent changes the mechanical properties of the interface between the bottom disk and base by introducing a resilient damper. This parameter change allows the system to maintain small clearance while achieving shock protection through material compliance rather than geometric separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damper serves as an intermediary that enables close clearance while preventing damage. It mediates between the bottom disk and base, allowing minimal gap dimensions while still providing sufficient impact absorption to protect the disk from damage during shock events.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces disk deformation and damage during mechanical shocks, meeting stringent mechanical shock robustness specifications by absorbing impact forces and minimizing contact with sharp edges, as evident in test results showing a maximum disk crown deviation of 0.37 nm compared to 19 nm in conventional drives.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating visco-elastic dampers made of materials like elastomeric materials or rubber, positioned strategically around the disk drive to absorb impact forces and reduce deflection
Data Source
AI summary
A disk drive including a disk having a bottom surface and a base having a first surface lying along a first plane and a second surface lying along a second plane positioned substantially parallel to the first plane. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface and is beneath at least a portion of the bottom surface of the disk. A damper of the disk drive is located on the second surface adjacent the first surface and is configured to contact a portion of the bottom surface of the disk when the disk is deflected toward the first surface.