Abstract: A tolerance ring which provides a low consistent installation force profile as a rotatable member, such as a disc drive actuator, is installed onto a stationary member, such as a shaft extending along an axis. The tolerance ring has a substantially cylindrical base portion from which a plurality of spaced apart raised portions radially extend. Each raised portion has a contact surface with a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape in a direction parallel to the axis and a pair of transition portions between the contact surface and the base portion. Each transition portion further has a continually radiused cross-sectional shape in a direction parallel to the axis so that, for each raised portion, a selected one of the elliptical cross-sectional shapes and the pair of radiused cross-sectional shapes is convex with respect to the axis and the remaining one of the elliptical cross-sectional shapes and the pair of radiused cross-sectional shapes is concave with respect to the axis.

Abstract: A tolerance ring is disclosed which provides increased hoop strength and resistance to deformation. The tolerance ring is placed on a stationary post so as to circumferentially extend about an outer surface of the post. An actuator assembly with an inner bored recess is thereafter placed onto the post so that the tolerance ring is compressed between the surface of the inner bored recess and the outer surface of the post, thereby maintaining a desired nominal position of the actuator assembly about the actuator pivot axis. The mechanical configuration of the tolerance ring includes a substantially cylindrical base portion from which at least one brace portion and a plurality of contact portions project. The brace portion preferably extends along the circumference of the base portion and preferably comprises either a circumferentially extending ridge or flange.

Abstract: A method of reducing debris within an E-block of an actuator assembly in a disc drive is provided. A manufactured E-block is first provided for tooling. The E-block has a central bore with an inner diameter and a bore surface. A hardening member is then provided with an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the bore surface. The hardening member is pressed through the central bore so that the hardening member compresses and deforms the bore surface. As the hardening member deforms the bore surface, the bore surface becomes substantially smooth and hard.