Fastener Seal System for Data Storage Device Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage devices face contamination issues due to reduced operating tolerances, leading to increased sensitivity to variations and potential errors and failure, as traditional sealing methods like gaskets and tape become less effective with smaller contact surfaces and surface imperfections like burrs can still allow contaminants to enter.
Innovation Solution
A fastener seal system is employed, where seals are positioned between the base and cover proximal to fastener apertures, extending less than an inch, with customizable materials and shapes to effectively trap contaminants and mitigate the impact of surface imperfections, allowing for efficient sealing and reduced risk of damage from loose particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing methods like gaskets and tape are used, then sealing coverage is improved, but contact surface area is reduced and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple discrete fastener seals positioned at specific fastener apertures rather than using a continuous gasket. Each fastener seal is a separate component that can be independently installed, allowing sealing at critical points without requiring large contact surfaces or complex continuous sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the contact surfaces and concentrated at the fastener aperture locations. By removing the need for extensive contact surface sealing and focusing sealing material only at the fastener points, the design maintains reliability while preserving maximum contact surface area.
2Volume of moving object
If contact surfaces are reduced to increase storage capacity, then storage density is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to insufficient surface area for gaskets
Solution Approach 1:
Sealing is applied locally at the fastener aperture positions rather than distributed across the entire contact surface. This localized approach to sealing allows the majority of the contact surface to remain small (maximizing storage capacity) while still providing effective sealing at the critical fastener points where contaminants could enter.
3Reliability
If fastener seals extend beyond one inch from fastener aperture, then sealing coverage is improved, but device complexity and potential for loose particles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener seals are designed to extend only partially (less than one inch) from the fastener aperture, which is sufficient to protect the fastener area from contaminants without creating excessive material that could loosen or create complexity. This partial action provides adequate protection while maintaining simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage device fastener seal system can have at least a base, a cover, and a fastener seal. The base may have at least one fastener aperture and a first contact surface while the cover can have a second contact and a fastener hole. The second contact surface may physically contact the first contact surface to enclose a data storage region. The fastener seal can be positioned between the base and cover proximal the fastener aperture with the fastener seal extending less than an inch from the fastener aperture in every direction along a plane parallel to the first and second contact surfaces.