Abstract: Method for controlling installation of a head stack assembly in a disc drive. The head stack assembly is aligned in a head stack installation tool. A base deck assembly is advanced to the head stack installation tool, the base deck assembly having a post supporting a tolerance ring. A robotic assembly is dispatched to pick and press the head stack assembly onto the tolerance ring and post while mechanical resistance and distance traveled parameters by the head stack assembly are measured. The installation is aborted or completed in relation to the mechanical resistance encountered and the distance traveled, thus allowing use of minimum and maximum force thresholds with respect to insertion distance and assuring correct installation of the head stack assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided through which printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) that share components that have a high rate of failure are identified. The components are substantially similar components, such as components that are embodied on a reel and/or components that were manufactured by the same manufacturer. The identification (ID) of substantially similar components are captured, such as by scanning a barcode ID of the substantially similar components, an ID of each printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is captured, such as by scanning a barcode ID of each PCBA. Later, an association between the ID of each PCBA and the ID of the substantially similar components is determined. PCBAs that share components that have a high rate of failure are identified from the association. The association is used to identify PCBAs that are at risk for sharing common failures.

Abstract: A disc mounting system for mounting the discs of a disc drive in a fixed radial relationship to the hub of a spindle motor. The disc mounting system includes curved spring elements, having a substantially C-shaped cross section, which are curved on a radius greater than the radius of the central opening of the discs. One or more spring elements are utilized with each disc, and assembly tooling is used to bend the spring elements so that the discs, with the opening of the C-shaped springs engaging the inner diameter of the discs, can fit over the hub of the spindle motor. The assembly tooling is then removed to allow the spring elements to partially straighten, firmly engaging the discs relative to the spindle motor hub in the radial direction. In a first embodiment of the invention, alternative mechanisms are disclosed for establishing the axial positions of the discs.

Abstract: An air current diverting apparatus for a data storage device having a rotating data storage medium in operable relation with an actuator assembly reading data from and writing data to the data storage medium. The air current diverting apparatus has an aerodynamic shroud comprising a base having a first end attachable to the actuator assembly, an upstream surface extending upstream of the actuator assembly, and a downstream surface extending downstream of the actuator assembly and substantially non-parallel to the upstream surface.

Abstract: A disc drive includes a base and a disc rotatably attached to the base. The disc drive also includes an actuator assembly rotatably attached to said base and a device for moving the actuator assembly. A cover is attached to the base. The combination of the cover and base form a disc enclosure for enclosing the disc the actuator assembly and the device for moving the actuator assembly. The cover includes a first layer having a rubber gasket attached thereto, a second layer, and a third layer of damping material positioned between the first layer and second layer. The gasket may be attached to the cover. The gasket may also be formed integral with the cover. The cover reduces relative motion between the actuator assembly and the base while under any type of servo control that requires corrections to be implemented with the voice coil motor.