Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for directing windage involves a body defining an aperture. A fastener is operably disposed in the aperture and is selectively engageable with a fixed support member between a first mode permitting rotation of the body around the fastener longitudinal axis, and a second mode affixing the body in place to the support member at a desired rotational orientation. A shroud depends from the body and is sized at a distal end for an operable mating relationship adjacent an arcuate edge of a disc that is rotatable around a disc axis. The shroud distal end is operably disposed a first distance from the fastener longitudinal axis in a direction of a plane including the fastener longitudinal axis and the disc axis. A leading edge of the shroud, with respect to a direction of windage established by disc rotation, is disposed a second distance from the fastener longitudinal axis that is the same or less than the first distance from the fastener longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a multi-surface housing from mechanical vibration (shock) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). A protection assembly incorporates an EMI shield member with a base portion configured to extend adjacent a first surface of the housing. A tab portion extends from an edge of the base portion adjacent a second surface of the housing. An elastomeric member extends adjacent the second surface and encapsulates the tab portion. The protection assembly preferably forms a tub-shaped recess to receivingly nest the housing. A host device interconnect feature preferably extends from the base portion to facilitate an electrical interconnection of the shield member with a host device. The protection assembly is preferably formed by molding the elastomeric member onto the shield member using an injection molding process. The housing is preferably characterized as a data storage device housing which encloses at least one data storage medium.

Abstract: A data storage device is made by molding a portion of a motor into a first enclosure member, and then coupling the first enclosure member to a second enclosure member to define an interior environment for other data storage device components.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a shock sensor to the printed circuit board (PCB) of a disc drive are provided. In particular, the present invention allows the shock sensor to be mounted at any location on the printed circuit board rather than being limited to placement adjacent a mounting screw. The present invention includes a clamping mechanism for rigidly clamping the PCB to the head disc assembly (HDA) so that any shock is properly transmitted from the HDA to the PCB and then to the shock sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the PCB is clamped between a shield and the HDA. The shock sensor is then position near the point at which the PCB is clamped so that the point of clamping provides transmission of any shock in the Z-axis to the shock sensor. Shocks in the X-Y axis direction are transmitted via the normal mounting screws.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a multi-surface housing from mechanical vibration (shock) and electromagnetic interference (EMI). A protection assembly incorporates an EMI shield member with a base portion configured to extend adjacent a first surface of the housing. A tab portion extends from an edge of the base portion adjacent a second surface of the housing. An elastomeric member extends adjacent the second surface and encapsulates the tab portion. The protection assembly preferably forms a tub-shaped recess to receivingly nest the housing. A host device interconnect feature preferably extends from the base portion to facilitate an electrical interconnection of the shield member with a host device. The protection assembly is preferably formed by molding the elastomeric member onto the shield member using an injection molding process. The housing is preferably characterized as a data storage device housing which encloses at least one data storage medium.

Abstract: A housing or cover having a coined region or regions to provide additional clearance or height within form factor dimensions of the housing or cover. In embodiments described, the housing or cover includes coined regions which have a smaller body thickness dimension than a stock thickness of the housing or cover to provide additional clearance. The coined regions include openings, slots or holes to provide a collection site for material removed from the coined regions to form the smaller body thickness dimension.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mounting a shock sensor to the printed circuit board (PCB) of a disc drive are provided. In particular, the present invention allows the shock sensor to be mounted at any location on the printed circuit board rather than being limited to placement adjacent a mounting screw. The present invention includes a clamping mechanism for rigidly clamping the PCB to the head disc assembly (HDA) so that any shock is properly transmitted from the HDA to the PCB and then to the shock sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the PCB is clamped between a shield and the HDA. The shock sensor is then position near the point at which the PCB is clamped so that the point of clamping provides transmission of any shock in the Z-axis to the shock sensor. Shocks in the X-Y axis direction are transmitted via the normal mounting screws.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air guide for use in a disc drive such that air flow can be redirected to improve the efficiency of a filter located within the disc drive. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an air guide having air guide surfaces that, in conjunction with sides of the disc drive housing, are configured to channel air flow off a spinning disc, through a filter, and back into the mainstream air flow. The air guide may be formed as an integral unit with either the inner major surface of the cover or of the baseplate, or both, such that the air guide may extend over part of the disc surface and provide an effective channel for air flow without the need for additional assembly processes during manufacture.

Abstract: A disc drive has a top cover formed from a moldable material by an injection molding process and a metal top pole piece over-molded within the top cover. A voice coil motor assembly includes a voice coil attached to an actuator arm of the disc drive, a bottom pole mounted to a base plate of the drive, and a magnet attached to the bottom pole, wherein the coil is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet between the bottom pole and the top pole piece once the top cover is attached to the base plate. The top cover may be molded from a reinforced polymer material. The metal top pole piece may include a protruding mounting surface that is secured to an actuator arm bearing shaft to provide a metallic anchor between the bearing shaft and the molded top cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated magnetic latch and voice coil motor magnet assembly for use in a disc drive. The lower plate of the voice coil motor defines an elongate slot that is configured for engagement with a latch member. The latch member has a step at one end. The lower plate has a magnet fixed on one surface such that the step is brought into abutment with another surface of the base when the latch member is attracted by the magnet.

Abstract: A disc drive has a top cover formed from a moldable material by an injection molding process and a metal top pole piece over-molded within the top cover. A voice coil motor assembly includes a voice coil attached to an actuator arm of the disc drive, a bottom pole mounted to a base plate of the drive, and a magnet attached to the bottom pole, wherein the coil is positioned adjacent to the permanent magnet between the bottom pole and the top pole piece once the top cover is attached to the base plate. The top cover may be molded from a reinforced polymer material. The metal top pole piece may include a protruding mounting surface that is secured to an actuator arm bearing shaft to provide a metallic anchor between the bearing shaft and the molded top cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated magnetic latch and voice coil motor magnet assembly for use in a disc drive. The lower plate of the voice coil motor defines an elongate slot that is configured for engagement with a latch member. The latch member has a step at one end. The lower plate has a magnet fixed on one surface such that the step is brought into abutment with another surface of the base when the latch member is attracted by the magnet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an air guide for use in a disc drive such that air flow can be redirected to improve the efficiency of a filter located within the disc drive. Embodiments of the present invention provide for an air guide having air guide surfaces that, in conjunction with sides of the disc drive housing, are configured to channel air flow off a spinning disc, through a filter, and back into the mainstream air flow. The air guide may be formed as an integral unit with either the inner major surface of the cover or of the baseplate, or both, such that the air guide may extend over part of the disc surface and provide an effective channel for air flow without the need for additional assembly processes during manufacture.