Notched Disk Clamp for HDD Hub Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional screw-based disk clamps in hard disk drives (HDDs) occupy valuable space, reducing the bearing span and gyro performance by requiring a dedicated height for screws, which could be utilized to enhance these aspects.

Innovation Solution

An annular disk clamp with flanges and notches that occupy an annular groove on the hub, eliminating the need for screws by using a tool to pre-load and secure the disk clamp, minimizing rubbing contact and allowing for a more efficient use of space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screw-based disk clamp is used, then disk can be secured to hub, but bearing span is reduced due to dedicated space requirement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk securingVSAvoidbearing span

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the disk clamp and disk into a single integrated unit by providing notches in the outer lip of the disk clamp that receive corresponding protrusions on the disk. This integration eliminates the need for separate screws to secure the disk to the hub, thereby reducing the height requirement and increasing the bearing span while maintaining secure disk attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the traditional screw-based system and integrates it directly into the disk clamp structure through the notch-protrusion mechanism. This eliminates the need for dedicated screw space and reduces the overall height requirement for the disk securing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If screw-based disk clamp is used, then disk can be fastened securely, but device complexity increases due to additional screws and dedicated space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk fasteningVSAvoidclamp structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into the disk clamp structure: the clamp body provides securing force, the notches provide alignment and attachment features, and the integration with the disk eliminates the need for separate fasteners. This reduces device complexity by removing screws and dedicated fastening components while maintaining secure disk attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If conventional screw-based clamp is used, then disk can be held in place, but valuable space is consumed reducing gyro performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisk positioningVSAvoidspace utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the disk and clamp into an integrated assembly where the notches in the clamp receive protrusions on the disk, eliminating the need for separate fastening components. This integration significantly reduces the height and volume required for the disk securing mechanism, thereby improving gyro performance by maximizing the bearing span and space utilization within the HDD assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8891202B2Notched disk clamp

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

Provided herein is an apparatus, including a plurality of disk clamp notches spaced about an outer lip of an annular disk clamp; an annular groove in an outer perimeter of a hub; and a mounting point on the hub for at least one disk, wherein the annular disk clamp occupies the annular groove of the hub, clamping the at least one disk onto the hub at the mounting point for the at least one disk.