Swivel-Engaged Load Ramp for Multi-Disk HDD Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of a multiple disk-stack, shared actuator hard disk drive faces challenges in assembling a load/unload ramp due to limited space between disk stacks, which complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece swivel-engaged ramp is designed, comprising a first and second ramp part with locking pins and mounting features, allowing each part to be positioned and fixed to the HDD base, facilitating the assembly of multiple disk stacks by swiveling and locking into place, thus addressing the space constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-piece ramp is used in a multiple disk-stack HDD, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the assembly difficulty increases due to limited space between disk stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is divided into two separate parts (first ramp part and second ramp part) that can be independently positioned and assembled. Each part has its own locking pin and receptacle mechanism, allowing them to be assembled separately in the limited space between disk stacks without requiring a complex single-piece structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If a two-piece swivel ramp is used, then the assembly ease is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp parts are designed with swivel capability, allowing them to rotate into their final positions during assembly. This dynamic feature enables the rigid ramp parts to be maneuvered into place within the constrained space between disk stacks, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity in the final configuration.
3Reliability
If locking pins are added to secure ramp parts, then the assembly reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins are designed to automatically engage with the receptacles when the ramp parts are positioned correctly during assembly. This self-locking mechanism secures the ramp parts without requiring additional fastening operations or complex assembly steps, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A load/unload ramp configured for a multiple disk-stack, shared actuator hard disk drive (HDD) includes two ramp parts configured to swivel-engage together. Each of the two ramp parts may have a sleeve configured for positioning over a swivel pin and a locking pin configured for positioning and movement within a corresponding receptacle constituent to an HDD base. Thus, each ramp part can be positioned to a respective initial locking position onto the base, a first disk stack installed, a first ramp part swiveled to a final locking position engaged with the first disk stack, and fixed to the base. Then an actuator assembly can be inserted and the corresponding actuator arms parked onto the first ramp part, a second disk stack installed, then the second ramp part swiveled to its final locking position engaged with the second disk stack, and fixed to the base.