Abstract: Approaches to use of a squeeze air bearing for supporting and/or rotating the disks in a hard-disk drive. The squeeze bearing, whose effect is based on relative normal motion between two surfaces, is arranged adjacent to the rim of the disk to provide a bearing force at the disk rim. The squeeze bearing comprises multiple cantilevered arms with one end fixed to a support ring assembly and the other end having one or more vibrational element which, when vibrating, provides the bearing force. At least one of the vibrational elements is configured at an angle to the disk rim and which, when vibrating, provides a tangential force to rotate the disk for HDD operational purposes. Therefore, such a squeeze bearing provides an integrated solution for bearing and rotating the disk(s) of an HDD, thereby eliminating the need for a liquid-based disk spindle motor system.

Abstract: Approaches to use of a squeeze air bearing for supporting and/or rotating the disks in a hard-disk drive. The squeeze bearing, whose effect is based on relative normal motion between two surfaces, is arranged adjacent to the rim of the disk to provide a bearing force at the disk rim. The squeeze bearing comprises multiple cantilevered arms with one end fixed to a support ring assembly and the other end having one or more vibrational element which, when vibrating, provides the bearing force. At least one of the vibrational elements is configured at an angle to the disk rim and which, when vibrating, provides a tangential force to rotate the disk for HDD operational purposes. Therefore, such a squeeze bearing provides an integrated solution for bearing and rotating the disk(s) of an HDD, thereby eliminating the need for a liquid-based disk spindle motor system.

Abstract: Cleaning or polishing magnetic recording media (MRM) may comprise mounting and rotating the MRM on a spindle; circulating a tape adjacent to a surface of the MRM; and applying an electrostatic (ES) voltage to the tape and attracting particles located on the MRM to the tape. The ES voltage may apply an ES load to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. No mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. Additionally, a mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM.

Abstract: Cleaning or polishing magnetic recording media (MRM) may comprise mounting and rotating the MRM on a spindle; circulating a tape adjacent to a surface of the MRM; and applying an electrostatic (ES) voltage to the tape and attracting particles located on the MRM to the tape. The ES voltage may apply an ES load to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. No mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM. Additionally, a mechanical load may be applied to the tape to force the tape into contact with the surface of the MRM.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention pertain to reducing the obstruction of air flow through a bypass channel associated with a disk drive. According to one embodiment, disk drive filtering system includes a selective filtering region, an electrostatic pass-by filter, and a filter free region. The selective filtering region is disposed within a bypass channel. The electrostatic pass-by filter is disposed within the selective filtering region and is used for filtering the air that flows through the selective filtering region. The filter free region is disposed proximate to the electrostatic pass-by filter so that a substantial portion of the air is allowed to flow unobstructed through the selective filtering region.

Abstract: Approaches for a single part that comprises an upstream spoiler and a crash stop for use within a hard-disk drive (HDD). The integrated upstream spoiler and crash stop has one or more wings which diverts and reduces the flow of air, resulting from the rotation of the magnetic-recording disks within the HDD, from a magnetic-recording head of the HDD. The integrated upstream spoiler and crash stop has a structure that also prevents the actuator from moving beyond a particular location. After the integrated upstream spoiler and crash stop has been affixed within the HDD, the one or more wings may be rotated between the one or more magnetic-recording disks into a desired position.

Abstract: An aerodynamic device for aerostatic sealing in a hard disk drive (HDD) including an exterior surface configured to modify airflow in the HDD and proximate at least one magnetic disk and an inlet port configured to receive pressurized airflow. The aerodynamic device also includes a plurality of outlet ports disposed on the exterior surface configured to discharge the pressurized airflow directly onto the at least one magnetic disk and aerostatically seal the aerodynamic device with the at least one magnetic disk.

Abstract: An air pump for generating air pressure in a hard disk drive (HDD) including a rotor disposed inside the HDD. The rotor comprises a first air pressure generating feature. The air pump further includes a stator. The stator includes a second air pressure generating feature. The first air pressure generating feature corresponds with the second air pressure generating feature and the air pressure is generated at a location where the first air pressure generating feature rotates in proximity to the second air pressure generating feature.

Abstract: A disk drive disk has a disk rim and a shroud faces the disk rim. At least one of the disk rim and the shroud interior surface have features formed thereon that cause both axial and circumferential air flow when the disk is rotated relative to the shroud, and the features extend for an axial distance of no more than the axial thickness of the disk. The features may extend both axially and circumferentially relative to said at least one of the disk rim and the shroud interior surface. The features may be slanted or helical slits. The disk rim also may be asymmetric, such as asymmetrically beveled.

Abstract: An integrated bypass channel and diverter assembly for hard disk drives having small form factors is disclosed. A bypass channel is formed directly in the base plate to allow a partial bypass to exist with or without a diverter feature. The design addresses the issue of proper disk shrouding at the same time as providing the desired features for small form factor drives. The invention includes three datum planes for aligning the machined features of the bypass channel with the drive during assembly. The machined bypass channel and the upstream diverter may be combined to form the integrated assembly. The primary air flow direction from the disk stack is through the integrated partial bypass in the enclosure body and around the diverter into the main bypass channel. The invention provides a drop-in position for the diverter that has minimal encroachment into the VCM area of the drive.

Abstract: A spindle motor assembly that utilizes a fluid dynamic bearing electrically grounded to provide a conductive path through the spindle motor assembly. In one embodiment, the fluid dynamic bearing includes a liquid metal that is conductive and of low electrical resistance that provides the conductive path between the spindle and the spindle housing.

Abstract: A system and method for stabilizing air flow in a shroud to disk region in a hard disk drive are disclosed. One embodiment provides a hard disk drive having a shroud with machined aerodynamic annulus insertions thereon for stabilizing the Ekman layer of air flow at the peripheral ends of the hard disks and the shroud. The aerodynamic annulus insertions are positioned in between disk pairs at approximately 1 mm from the peripheral ends of each disk to stabilize the air flow as the disk rotate and to ensure that the air flow leaves the hard disk drive at a fixed location.

Abstract: A contoured region is disposed within a capillary buffer of a Fluid Dynamic Bearing. In one embodiment, the contoured region comprises at least one defined edge for arresting the displacement of a lubricant within the capillary buffer.

Abstract: An integrated load-unload ramp structure with a downstream spoiler and a slit-shroud for a hard-disk drive (HDD). The integrated load-unload (L/UL) ramp structure includes a L/UL ramp-structure portion, at least one downstream spoiler integrally attached to the L/UL ramp-structure portion, and a slit-shroud including at least one wing, the slit-shroud integrally attached to the L/UL ramp-structure portion. The L/UL ramp-structure portion is configured both for loading, and for unloading, at least one head-slider from at least one magnetic-recording disk. The downstream spoiler is configured for operation in an airflow downstream from the head-slider. In addition, the slit-shroud is configured to suppress axial airflow components in close proximity to an outside-diameter (OD) edge of the magnetic-recording disk. A HDD including the integrated L/UL ramp structure and a method for assembling a HDD with an integrated L/UL ramp structure are also provided.

Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a base plate, a cover mounted to the base plate and a corner filter disposed proximate to a corner of the hard disk drive. A corner filter seal disposed between the base plate and the cover. The corner filter seal is configured to prevent leakage of filter air flow through a clearance between the base plate and the cover. The clearance is at least laterally proximate the corner filter.

Abstract: Approaches for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation, and preventing the same, using an atmospheric pressure sensor are provided. The HDD comprises an atmospheric pressure sensor capable of determining the altitude at which the HDD is currently located. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the current altitude of the HDD, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of a particle counter, differential pressure sensor, and a chemical vapor sensor for use by the risk assessment component. If the HDD is above a particular altitude, the Thermal Fly-Height control settings of the heads may be adjusted to reduce risk of error.

Abstract: Approaches for integrating an upstream spoiler with a particle filter in a hard-disk drive (HDD). According to an approach, a single part may comprise an upstream spoiler and an opening. The single part has a structure which enables an airborne particle filter to be positioned over or within the opening. The airborne particle filter, which covers the opening, has a curvature that follows the curvature of a shroud. When the upstream spoiler diverts a flow of air, which circulates within the enclosure when the magnetic-recording disk is rotating, from the magnetic-recording head, the upstream spoiler creates an area of relatively greater pressure. Air in the area of greater pressure flows through the airborne particle filter to an area of relatively lesser pressure, thereby removing airborne particles within the enclosure of the HDD. Alternately, the airborne particle filter may be positioned within slits present in the shroud and the upstream spoiler.

Abstract: A hard disk drive has a recirculation filter that shrouds the rims of disks at the inlet and outlet of the filter. The shroud is aerodynamically shaped to reduce flow-induced disk vibration of the read/write head. A significant improvement in non-repeatable run-out is provided when the inlet and outlet are shrouded along the rims of the disks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the likelihood that a hard-disk drive (HDD) will experience an imminent error in operation is provided. The HDD comprises a differential pressure sensor capable of measuring the difference in the pressure between the interior and the exterior of the enclosure. The differential pressure sensor may reside in a breather filter covering an air passage within the enclosure. The HDD also comprises a risk assessment component capable of (a) determining an expression of how likely it is that the HDD will experience an imminent error in operation based, at least in part, upon the difference in pressure measured by the pressure sensor, and (b) communicating the expression to a user of the HDD. The HDD may optionally comprise one or more of an atmospheric pressure sensor, a particle counter, and a chemical vapor sensor which may be used by the risk assessment component.

Abstract: A sickle-shaped disk drive spoiler for reducing turbulence of airflow in a hard disk drive is provided. The sickle-shaped spoiler is configured to direct airflow generated by a rotating disk and includes a tapered first end portion configured to direct the airflow toward the inner diameter of the disk and to reduce the airflow on the side of the disk opposing the spoiler.