HDD Motor Assembly Spring Pins for Non-Outgassing Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotating unbalance in motor assemblies of hard disk drives causes wear, excess vibrations, and early failure due to outgassing, which can lead to deposits on recording heads.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of rotational balancing spring pins in the motor assembly to reduce unbalance and minimize outgassing, using a mechanically compressible profile made of materials like stainless steel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional balancing methods (e.g., resin-based balance plugs) are used to reduce rotating unbalance, then rotating unbalance is reduced, but outgassing occurs which leads to deposit formation on recording heads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional resin-based balance plugs with steel balancing pins. The steel pins are mechanically compressed into openings in the motor hub, creating a permanent, non-outgassing balancing solution that eliminates deposit formation on recording heads while maintaining rotational balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from resin-based compounds to steel pins, and changes the installation method from adhesive bonding to mechanical compression. This parameter change eliminates outgassing while maintaining the balancing function, as the steel pins are compressed into the motor hub openings to achieve proper positioning and balance.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If rotational balancing spring pins are used instead of resin-based balance plugs, then outgassing deposits on recording heads are minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steel balancing pins serve multiple functions: they provide rotational balance, act as mechanical retainers within the motor hub openings, and eliminate outgassing deposits. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining balancing and retention functions into a single component.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If mechanically compressible steel pins are used for balancing, then rotating unbalance is reduced and HDD lifetime is extended, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The steel balancing pins are pre-compressed to a specific dimension before installation into the motor hub openings. This preliminary compression action ensures proper fit and positioning, extending HDD lifetime by achieving accurate rotational balance without requiring excessive manufacturing precision during final assembly.
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
Reduces rotating unbalance, extends HDD lifetime, and minimizes deposit formation on recording heads, offering a cost-effective alternative to resin-based balance plugs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotational balancing spring pin configured to reduce a rotating unbalance of the motor assembly
Implementation Method 2
the mechanically compressible profile of the rotational balancing spring pin may include a substantially hollow cylindrical profile with an axially oriented gap
Data Source
AI summary
A hard disk drive includes at least one magnetic disk and a motor assembly. The motor assembly is configured to rotatably support the magnetic disk(s) and circumferentially rotate the magnetic disk(s) about an axis of rotation during operations of the hard disk drive. The motor assembly includes at least one rotational balancing spring pin. Each rotational balancing spring pin is configured to reduce a rotating unbalance of the motor assembly.