Abstract: An actuator/coil assembly (136) is disclosed where two different bonding operations are used. First, a bobbin (164) is overmolded to a coil (172), and a first overmolded part (176) is overmolded to both the coil (172) and a fan tail (152) of the actuator (140). The overmolding operation defines one or more adhesive receptacles (168) in the bobbin (164) on a perimeter that interfaces with the coil (172), and further defines one or more adhesive receptacles (180) in the first overmolded part (176) on a perimeter that interfaces with the coil (172) and that interfaces with the fan tail (152) of the actuator (140). Adhesive (184) is disposed within these receptacles (168, 180) to increase the stiffness of the actuator/coil assembly (136).

Abstract: A disk drive head stack assembly (66) of a configuration that facilitates the assembly thereof is disclosed. One or more head/arm assemblies (74) are mounted on a pivot bearing (118). This pivot bearing (118) includes a tapered section (126). Each head/arm assembly (74) may be mounted on the pivot bearing (118). Thereafter, a retainer ring (102) may be advanced relative to the pivot bearing (118). Advancement of the retainer ring (102) along the tapered section (126) expands the retainer ring (102) so that the same may be disposed within a retainer ring slot (130) of the pivot bearing (118). Each head/arm assembly (74) is maintained between this retainer ring (102) and a flange (134) of the pivot bearing (118).

Abstract: A disk drive head stack assembly (66) of a configuration that facilitates the assembly thereof is disclosed. One or more head/arm assemblies (74) are mounted on a pivot bearing (118). This pivot bearing (118) includes a tapered section (126). Each head/arm assembly (74) may be mounted on the pivot bearing (118). Thereafter, a retainer ring (102) may be advanced relative to the pivot bearing (118). Advancement of the retainer ring (102) along the tapered section (126) expands the retainer ring (102) so that the same may be disposed within a retainer ring slot (130) of the pivot bearing (118). Each head/arm assembly (74) is maintained between this retainer ring (102) and a flange (134) of the pivot bearing (118).

Abstract: A disk drive having spindle resonance tuning and damping for improved disk drive performance. The disk drive has slots in the top cover which reduces rocking resonant frequency of the spindle to allow a previously interacting spindle to no longer interact. A constrained-layer damper can be added over the top cover to dampen existing or interacting frequencies which can further improve performance.

Abstract: A disk drive spindle with a rotatable hub combines the advantages of a stationary shaft, a cartridge bearing assembly, and a motor mounted axially between the individual bearings of the cartridge bearing to rotate the hub with respect to the stationary shaft. The stator of the motor is mounted to the shaft so that it is disposed radially outwardly of the bearing assembly and at least partially axially between the individual bearings. The motor mount is cup shaped and has a central opening that axially receives and surrounds at least part of the bearing assembly, with the stator being secured to an outer surface of the cup. Alternately stated, one end of the bearing assembly is recessed within the mount.

Abstract: A disk drive for magnetic data storage media includes a spindle bearing arrangement having a rotatable portion surrounding and mounted by bearings on a stationary portion. A spindle hub having a cylindrical outer surface and a concentric interior cavity is rigidly attached to the rotatable portion of the spindle bearing arrangement. The cylindrical outer surface of the spindle hub provides a mounting surface for a stack of storage disks. A brushless direct current motor is mounted within the hub cavity. The rotor of the motor includes a sleeve rigidly attached to the floor of the spindle hub cavity and providing a return flux path for the motor. The spindle hub and the sleeve have distinct coefficients of thermal expansion and a radial spacing between the sleeve and the spindle hub allows for unconstrained thermal expansion of the sleeve and the spindle hub. The hub cavity floor incorporates a concentric annulus for accurate centering of the sleeve within the cavity.