Undulating Disk Clamp for HDD Bearing Span
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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, as they require a dedicated space for screws and clamping, which could be utilized for increasing the bearing span.
Innovation Solution
An annular disk clamp with a plurality of teeth extending from its outer perimeter to an inner perimeter, which engages an annular groove on the hub when locked, securing the disk without the need for screws, allowing for a more compact design that enhances bearing span by eliminating the height required for screw-based clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw-based disk clamp is used to secure disks to the spindle motor assembly, then the disks are firmly clamped, but the height of the dedicated space required for the clamp and screws reduces the bearing span of the spindle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function and the fastening function into a single integrated mechanism. The spring-loaded arms with teeth directly engage with the hub's annular groove, eliminating the need for separate screws and clamp components. This integration reduces the height requirement while maintaining secure disk attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that provides dynamic clamping force. The springs continuously apply radial pressure to push the teeth into engagement with the hub groove, creating an active, self-adjusting clamping system rather than a static screw-based arrangement. This dynamic approach achieves secure fastening with reduced space requirements.
2Reliability
If a screw-based disk clamp is used, then the disks are securely fastened, but the device complexity increases due to dedicated spaces for clamps and screws
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple fastening components into a single integrated clamp assembly. The spring-loaded arms with teeth directly engage the hub, eliminating the need for separate screws, nuts, and clamp bodies. This reduction in component count simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining secure disk fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism provides self-adjusting clamping force and automatic engagement with the hub groove. The teeth on the spring-loaded arms automatically lock into the annular groove when the clamp is installed, creating a self-securing system that eliminates the need for additional fastening operations or complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is an apparatus, including a plurality of teeth extending from an outer perimeter of an annular disk clamp to an inner perimeter of the annular disk clamp and an annular groove in an outer perimeter of a hub, wherein the plurality of teeth do not engage the annular groove of the hub when the disk clamp is unlocked into an unlocked form, and wherein the plurality of teeth engage the annular groove of the hub when the annular disk clamp is locked into a locked form, clamping at least one disk onto the hub at a mounting point for the at least one disk.