Abstract: A base deck for a data storage device is preferably formed from a stamped, or fine blanked metallic platform portion, which supports an over-mold portion. The over-mold portion is a combination of elastomeric components and rigid structural components. In addition to providing structurally rigid side walls for the base deck, the over-mold portion also provides additional structurally rigid components, and features difficult to obtain from the platform portion formation process, such as a ramp load/unload feature and alignment guides. Elastomeric components provided by the over-mold process include gaskets for the top cover, motor, and actuator of the data storage device as well as impact dissipation members. The impact dissipation members aid in dissipating impact forces encountered by the data storage device during manufacturing of the data storage device as well as during the operational life of the data storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating particle and aerosol contaminants from an internal environment of a data storage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, a breather diffusion path formed in the base, a re-circulating filter channel adjacent the base, and an absorption filter chamber adjacent the re-circulating filter channel and communicating with the breather diffusion path. A breather filter removes particulates from air migrating through the diffusion path. The length and diameter of the diffusion path precludes transfer of humidity from the external environment of the data storage device to the internal environment of the data storage device. A re-circulating filter spans the re-circulating filter channel and removes particulates from airstreams passing through the re-circulating filter channel, and a substantially carbon based absorption filter extracts corrosive gases and organic vapors from the internal environment of the data storage device.

Abstract: A breather filter cartridge in a data storage device contains a filtration media, such as packed granular carbon, in a chamber. The cartridge incorporates a gas diffusion path that traverses through the breather filter casing, interfacing with the chamber along a tubular sidewall and allowing the thickness of the filter top end to be reduced. This permits additional filter media to be packed into the same breather filter height. Alternatively, the same amount of filtration media can accordingly be packed into a thinner breather filter. The top end may also include an outward extending flange, with the chamber extending completely through the flange. A thin film seals the media above the flange, allowing for even more filter media to be packed into a breather filter of identical height.

Abstract: A layer of air adjacent a disc surface in a disc drive is subject to contamination by particles. The disc is spun, inducing a radial air flow and a recirculation air flow. A particle impact layer around an outer disc edge traps a first portion of the particles carried by the radial air flow. A filter adjacent the outer disc edge includes a recirculation filter element that traps a second portion of the particles carried by the recirculation air flow.

Abstract: A layer of air adjacent a disc surface in a disc drive is subject to contamination by particles. The disc is spun, inducing a radial air flow and a recirculation air flow. A particle impact layer around an outer disc edge traps a first portion of the particles carried by the radial air flow. A filter adjacent the outer disc edge includes a recirculation filter element that traps a second portion of the particles carried by the recirculation air flow.

Abstract: A disc clamp made from a shape memory alloy is configured for tight fit between an upper ledge of a spindle hub and the upper surface of a disc when the disc clamp is in an austenitic phase. In a martensitic phase, the disc clamp is configured for easy assembly over the spindle hub. The disc of the present invention provides for uniform distribution of clamping forces on the disc, and avoids the need for threaded holes in the spindle hub.

Abstract: A ramp molded from a compound formulation of essentially a polymer and a liquid. The liquid is one that is chemically incompatible with the polymer, and is distributed in the polymer in the form of droplets. The lower surface tension of the liquid drives the droplets to the ramp surfaces until an equilibrium thickness of the liquid is achieved on the ramp surfaces.

Abstract: A disc clamp made from a shape memory alloy is configured for tight fit between an upper ledge of a spindle hub and the upper surface of a disc when the disc clamp is in an austenitic phase. In a martensitic phase, the disc clamp is configured for easy assembly over the spindle hub. The disc of the present invention provides for uniform distribution of clamping forces on the disc, and avoids the need for threaded holes in the spindle hub.