Abstract: A pivot bearing for an actuator assembly of a disk drive includes a first stationary member, a second pivoting member, and a third flexible member interconnecting the first and second members. The first stationary member is secured preferably between the base and top cover of the drive, while the second pivotal member is secured to the actuator. The second pivoting member rotates about the stationary member, and the third flexible member bends in response to the pivoting action of the second member. Rolling contact occurs between bearing surfaces of the first and second members. Overall bearing stiffness is increased with use of the bearing, and particularly radial stiffness. Increased bearing stiffness enhances system mode frequency and thereby improves bandwidth capability for a disk drive.

Abstract: Apparatuses and a method are provided to prevent buckling damage to a disk drive flexure when the read/write heads are subjected to high stiction loads and when backward rotation of the disks occur. Excessive flexure displacements due to the buckling loads are prevented by transferring some of the force of the buckling load to the stronger, stiffer load beam. Buckling limiter features are provided on either the load beam or flexure, or on both the load beam and flexure wherein the force of the buckling load causes contact of a component on the flexure against a component on the load beam. The contact between the components causes some of the buckling load to be transferred to the load beam. Each of the preferred embodiments provide different structural components forming the buckling limiting features.