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 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 disk drive slit shroud mitigates a discontinuity in the bypass channel with an additional wall feature formed on the slit shroud. When installed, the wall feature fills the gap in the wall of the bypass channel that would otherwise be required to accommodate a slit shroud of sufficient surface area. The discontinuity in the channel wall is needed for manufacturing clearance during the installation of the slit shroud. The slit shroud design includes the wall feature which, when installed, fills up the gap in the channel wall to maintain a relatively flush conduit for the bypass channel.

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 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 disk drive slit shroud mitigates a discontinuity in the bypass channel with an additional wall feature formed on the slit shroud. When installed, the wall feature fills the gap in the wall of the bypass channel that would otherwise be required to accommodate a slit shroud of sufficient surface area. The discontinuity in the channel wall is needed for manufacturing clearance during the installation of the slit shroud. The slit shroud design includes the wall feature which, when installed, fills up the gap in the channel wall to maintain a relatively flush conduit for the bypass channel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a spindle motor including a shaft having an outer circumferential surface. The spindle motor also includes a thrust plate fixedly connected to the shaft. The thrust plate projects radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the shaft and includes top and bottom surfaces. The spindle motor also includes a hub assembly mounted on the shaft. The hub assembly is adapted for mounting a storage disk. The spindle motor further includes a liquid hydrodynamic bearing and an aerodynamic bearing. The liquid hydrodynamic bearing is formed along the top and bottom surfaces of the thrust plate and is adapted for transferring loads in an axial direction relative to the shaft. The aerodynamic bearing is formed along a portion of the hub assembly and is adapted for transferring loads in a radial direction relative to the shaft.