Disk Drive Latch Mechanism Shock Absorption Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic disk apparatuses face damage due to excessive rebound and distortion energy when subjected to strong rotational shocks, as the latch mechanism's latch member is elastically deformed, causing the carriage to be pushed back towards the disk, potentially forcing the magnetic head to move on the disk.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a latch member that includes a first abutment portion to move from a release position to a latch position, a latch hook to engage with the carriage, and a second abutment portion with a gap to regulate movement, preventing unintended carriage rotation and reducing elastic deformation by engaging with a fixing stop, thereby absorbing shocks and maintaining the carriage at a retracted position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latch member is made elastic to absorb shock, then the shock resistance is improved, but the latch member undergoes large elastic deformation under strong rotational shock, storing distortion energy that pushes out the carriage
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the latch member (50) for engagement and disengagement, the first abutment portion (56a) for regulating movement in one direction, and the second abutment portion (56b) for regulating movement in the opposite direction. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, reducing unnecessary elastic deformation while maintaining shock resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the carriage and the external shock forces. By positioning the latch mechanism to engage with the carriage at specific points (first and second abutment portions), it mediates the shock forces, converting them into controlled movements of the latch member rather than allowing direct transmission to the carriage that would cause rebound.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the latch member is made rigid to prevent deformation, then the distortion energy storage is reduced, but the shock absorption capability is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the latch mechanism have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The latch member is designed with appropriate elasticity for engagement and disengagement operations, while the abutment portions are designed with sufficient rigidity to regulate movement effectively. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the system to handle shock forces without excessive deformation while maintaining necessary flexibility for operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the latch mechanism uses a single material for simplicity, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the design becomes insufficient to handle both shock absorption and rebound prevention
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs composite construction with multiple materials having different mechanical properties. The latch member and abutment portions are made from materials selected to provide the appropriate balance of elasticity and rigidity for their specific functions. This composite approach allows the mechanism to simultaneously achieve shock absorption capabilities and rebound prevention, meeting both requirements that would be difficult to satisfy with a single material.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The latch mechanism effectively prevents unintentional carriage movement and reduces the risk of magnetic head damage by regulating rotational shocks, enhancing the reliability of the latch mechanism and preventing collision noise during unloading.
Implementation Method 1
the latch member is elastically deformed, causing the carriage to be pushed back towards the disk
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a disk drive apparatus includes a base, a recording medium, a drive motor, a head, a carriage, and a latch mechanism. The latch mechanism includes a latch member, which is supported on the base to be movable between a latch position and a release position, and a latch stop provided on the base and configured to regulate the movement of the latch member in a direction of the latch position. The latch member has a first abutment portion which abuts the carriage and moves the latch member from the release position to the latch position according to the movement of the carriage, when the carriage moves from the information processing position to the retracted position, a latch hook capable of latching the carriage at the latch position, and a second abutment portion which confronts to the latch hook with a gap at the latch position.