Disk Drive Ramp Arrangement With Three Feet For Shock Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hard disk drives face operational issues due to head-to-disk contact during mechanical shocks, and existing ramp arrangements are not suitable for smaller form factor drives, necessitating an improved ramp configuration for safe head parking.
Innovation Solution
A ramp arrangement with at least three feet for sliding engagement with a ramp support surface, configured to establish an operational position within the housing, ensuring safe parking of the head gimbal assembly and resistance to mechanical shocks, utilizing a T-post and biasing surface for precise installation and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional ramp arrangement is used for head parking, then the head can be unloaded from the disk surface, but the drive cannot achieve smaller form factor due to the size and structural requirements of the ramp components
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp arrangement is segmented into multiple functional components: a ramp body with an inclined surface for head loading/unloading, feet for mounting, and integration with the actuator assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling smaller overall dimensions while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp arrangement is merged with the actuator assembly, where the ramp body is positioned to work in conjunction with the actuator arm and head gimbal assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate ramp housing structures, reducing the overall drive form factor while ensuring reliable head parking through coordinated mechanical action
2Volume of moving object
If the ramp arrangement is made smaller for miniature drives, then the form factor is reduced, but the structural strength and shock resistance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp body incorporates local quality variations through its geometric features: the inclined surface provides a controlled loading path, the feet are positioned to distribute mounting stresses, and the overall configuration is optimized to provide localized strength where needed while minimizing material usage for reduced size
3Ease of manufacture
If the ramp arrangement uses traditional mounting methods, then installation is straightforward, but precise positioning and retention against vibrations may be difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp arrangement incorporates self-aligning and self-retaining features through its geometric design. The feet are configured to naturally position the ramp body during installation, and the integrated structure provides inherent retention against vibrations and mechanical shocks without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A digital storage apparatus includes a housing defining a housing interior and defining a ramp support surface. A disk is supported for rotation in the housing. A head gimbal assembly is supported for use in pivotally accessing the disk in performing one or more data accesses and for moving to an unloaded position from an access position. A ramp arrangement receives the head gimbal assembly in the unloaded position. The ramp arrangement includes at least three feet for sliding engagement with the ramp support surface for use in at least partially establishing an operational position of the ramp arrangement. In one aspect, the housing defines a first surface and a second surface, which are in a transverse relationship with respect to one another. The ramp arrangement engages the first surface and the second surface for establishing an operational position of the ramp arrangement in the housing interior.