Abstract: According to one embodiment, a stopper of a disk device includes a fixing member to be fixed to a supporter of the disk device, and a cushioning member formed of a fluorine rubber and attached to the fixing member. The cushioning member includes a contact surface which contacts the fixing member, a first contact surface which can contact the supporter of the disk device, and a second contact surface which can contact a movable member in the disk device, the first contact surface has a first surface adhesive force based on adhesion of the fluorine rubber, and the second contact surface is subjected to a non-adhesive surface treatment and has a second surface adhesive force which is less than or equal to 1/20 the first surface adhesive force.

Abstract: A disk drive includes a disk drive base, and a spindle. A disk is attached to the spindle, and the disk includes a disk outer peripheral extent. An actuator is attached to the disk drive base and defines an actuator pivot axis that is substantially parallel to the spindle rotation axis. At least one actuator arm extends away from the actuator pivot axis. A head gimbal assembly (HGA) is attached to the at least one actuator arm. A first disk limiter tab protrudes from a side of the actuator towards the spindle rotation axis. The disk drive also includes a ramp that has a parking surface that is in contact with the HGA with the disk drive in a non-operational state. The first disk limiter tab extends over the disk outer peripheral extent in the non-operational state.

Abstract: A disk drive assembly includes an enclosure, a printed circuit board (PCB), a back board, a drive bracket, a first disk drive, and a second disk drive. The enclosure includes a bottom wall. The PCB is mounted on the bottom wall and parallel to the bottom wall. The back board is connected to and parallel to the PCB. The drive bracket includes a first side panel, a second side panel, and a third side panel parallel to each other. The first disk drive is mounted between the first side panel and the second side panel. The first disk drive is electrically connected to and perpendicular to the back board. The second disk drive is mounted between the second side panel and the third side panel. The second disk drive is electrically connected to and perpendicular to the back board.

Abstract: A hard disk drive including a crash stop is disclosed. The crash stop includes a shaft and a resilient member covering a portion of the shaft. In addition, the resilient member includes a right side protrusion and a left side protrusion. The right and left side protrusions are configured to disperse energy from an impact between a head stack assembly and the crash stop.

Abstract: Approaches for a single part that comprises an upstream spoiler and a crash stop for use within a hard-disk drive (HDD). The integrated upstream spoiler and crash stop has one or more wings which diverts and reduces the flow of air, resulting from the rotation of the magnetic-recording disks within the HDD, from a magnetic-recording head of the HDD. The integrated upstream spoiler and crash stop has a structure that also prevents the actuator from moving beyond a particular location. After the integrated upstream spoiler and crash stop has been affixed within the HDD, the one or more wings may be rotated between the one or more magnetic-recording disks into a desired position.

Abstract: Described herein is a disk drive having a crash stop assembly that includes a crash stop section with an outer wall extending along a first axial length of the crash stop assembly and a retaining section extending from the crash stop portion. The retaining section includes a helical portion that is elastically compressible along a second axial length, different from the first axial length, of the crash stop assembly when a base and top cover of the disk drive are coupled together.

Abstract: This application discloses a hard disk drive comprising a arm limiter mounted on a disk base to limit movement of the actuator arms during a non-operational shock event while parked. The arm limiter and disk base are disclosed in various combinations to limit actuator arm movement during non-operational shocks.

Abstract: A disc drive snubber for protection of a disc drive disc from mechanical shock, the snubber positioned to limit the deflection of the disc in the operational mode, the position of the disc snubber determined in response to user reported defects. The snubber, positioned beneath the disc in near proximity to the outer diameter of the disc, extends along about a 60 degree segment of the disc and is made of a FIPG material.

Abstract: A hard disk drive including an actuator arm to pivot across a disk and having a read/write head disposed at an end of the actuator arm to read data from the disk and to write data to the disk, and a crash stop to prevent the read/write head from being pivoted beyond a preset outermost position of the disk. The crash stop can include a housing coupled to a base of the disk drive and disposed adjacent to an outer circumference of the disk, and a buffer member forcibly coupled to the housing. A coupling groove can be provided on one of the housing and the buffer member and a coupling protrusion can be provided on the other one of the housing and the buffer member to precisely locate the read/write head at the preset outermost position of the disk when the actuator arm contacts the crash stop.

Abstract: A computer equipped with a fan rack aims to facilitate disassembly and assembly of hard disks. The computer includes a casing, a panel located at the front side of the casing and a plurality of side panels on various sides of the casing. The casing has a hard disk installation section. The panel has a hard disk replacing opening corresponding to the hard disk installation section. The panel hinges at least one fan rack corresponding to the hard disk installation section. The fan rack holds at least one fan. The fan provides cooling airflow to the hard disk installed on the hard disk installation section. The fan rack can be opened or closed by pivoting so that the hard disk can be plugged, unplugged or displaced without relying on any tools.

Abstract: A novel actuator latch includes a catch portion interfering with actuator rotation with the latch in a closed position. The latch includes a first stop portion that is in contact with a fixed member with the latch in the closed position. The latch includes a pusher portion that is in contact with the actuator with the latch in the closed position and with the actuator in an extreme rotational position. The pusher portion has a torsional stiffness about the latch pivot location in the range 5 JA/rad·sec2 to 30 JA/rad·sec2, where JA is the rotational inertia of the actuator about the actuator pivot location expressed in units of kg·m2. The first stop portion has a torsional stiffness about the latch pivot location that is at least 5 times that of the pusher portion.

Abstract: A latching mechanism for a flex cable bracket. The latching mechanism includes a position limiter. The position limiter prevents movement of an actuator assembly installed thereon. The latching mechanism also includes a spring clip. The spring clip has spring functionality and a cantilever beam to retain the actuator assembly when installed thereon. The latching mechanism further includes an orientation position limiter. The orientation position limiter prevents a rocking motion of the actuator assembly. The position limiter and the spring clip and the orientation position limiter are integrated into structure of the flex cable bracket.

Abstract: A printed circuit cable assembly for top down installation in a disc drive or the like in which a printed circuit cable supporting electrical conductor paths has a body portion, a flex portion and an insertion tab connecting the body portion and flex portion. A PCC support member having a support ramp extending into a slotted gap supports the printed circuit cable with the insertion tab extending into the slotted gap so that the flex portion is extended for attachment to a moveable article, such as the head stack assembly of a disc drive. Preferably, the PCC support member has an indexing bore, and the PCC support member with the supported printed circuit cable is mounted to a support member having an indexing post, the PCC support member positioned so that indexing bore is positioned over the indexing post.

Abstract: A disk drive head-gimbal assembly (200) is disclosed, which includes what may be characterized as a flexure (215) with an integrated trailing edge limiter. The head-gimbal assembly (200) includes a deflectable flexure tongue (228) and a bond pad platform (230) that is spaced from this flexure tongue (228). At least one bridge (234) extends between and structurally interconnects the flexure tongue (228) and bond pad platform (230). A slider assembly (136), including a slider positioner (156) and a slider (140), is mounted on the flexure tongue (228). The bond pad platform (230) is used to establish an electrical connection with the slider (140).

Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a head stack assembly including a read/write head mounted thereon and an actuator arm pivoting over a disk around a pivot shaft installed on a base, a pivot shaft holder rotatably supporting the pivot shaft and to which the actuator arm is coupled, and a bobbin provided at the opposite side of the actuator arm with respect to the pivot shaft holder and having a voice coil motor coil installed on at least one surface thereof, a crash stop coupled to the base and restricting displacement of the actuator arm, and a contact area reduction portion provided on at least one of the bobbin and the crash stop and including at least one non-contact section, in which the bobbin and the crash stop do not contact each other, in a contact section of the bobbin and the crash stop, when the bobbin and crash stop contact each other, to reduce the contact area between the bobbin and the crash stop.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an actuator stopper contacts a butting portion of an actuator which moves a head in a movement direction in a movement plane, and restricts a movement range of the actuator along the movement direction. The actuator stopper includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be positioned at an upstream side along the movement direction and contact the butting portion of the actuator. The second portion is configured to be positioned at a downstream side along the movement direction, have a smaller height than the first portion along a direction vertical to the movement plane, and be formed integrally with the first portion.

Abstract: The present invention includes a flexible printed circuit bracket including a crash stop rubber and/or an air block. The air block directs the air flow from the rotating disk surface(s) away from the head gimbal assemblies to minimize positional variance of the read-write heads. The crash stop rubber contacts the crash stop stub on the actuator arm block, stopping actuator assembly swinging away from the disk. The invention includes making an actuator assembly with the invention's flexible printed circuit bracket, as well as making the hard disk drive. The invention includes both the actuator assembly and the hard disk drive as the products of these processes. The invention also includes the actuator assembly and the hard disk drive containing the invention's flexible printed circuit bracket.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus used with a hard disk drive. The actuator apparatus includes a pivotable actuator arm, a magnetic head mounted onto a first end of the actuator arm, an overmold connected to a second end of the actuator arm and including a metal piece, a voice coil motor (VCM) having a coil coupled to the overmold and at least one magnet positioned to face the coil, and a stopper positioned to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval from the overmold of the actuator arm when the magnetic head is positioned at a parked position, to limit pivoting of the actuator arm. Specifically, the stopper may be positioned to be spaced at the interval from the overmold of the actuator arm positioned at a position where a torque acting on the actuator arm due to the metal piece and the magnet is substantially 0.

Abstract: A base member and a hard disk drive (HDD) having the base member. The base member includes a plate portion on which a head stack assembly (HSA) is pivotably mounted to record data in a disk or to read data recorded in the disk, and a crash stop portion which limits a pivoting range of the HSA and includes a boss integrally formed with the plate portion.

Abstract: A disk device writes data in or reads data from a disk. The disk device includes a head. The head includes a reading element that reads data from the disk and a writing element that writes data in the disk. The reading element and the writing element are placed apart from each other. For example, the writing element is arranged nearer to the outer periphery of the disk than the reading element is. The disk device includes two stoppers that restrict the movement of the head. The stoppers are arranged such that, when the head moves over the disk, a specific area on the disk is accessible only to the reading element and not to the writing element. Thus, data can be read from the specific area but cannot be written in the specific area.

Abstract: A rebounding phenomenon of an actuator assembly is to be prevented and device assembling work and maintenance work are to be carried out separately from stopper removing work. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a stopper 50 for restricting a turning range of an actuator assembly 8 having a coil support 22 in a magnetic disk device. In the stopper 50, rubber 51 is cantilevered by a support rod 261 so as to undergo a moment of force and fulfill a shock absorbing function in order to restrict an excessive movement of the actuator assembly 8 to an inner or an outer side when the rubber 51 is abutted against a first arm 22a or a second arm 22b of a bifurcated shape of the coil support 22, the support rod 261 is disposed outside a turning track of turning ends of the first and second arms 22a, 22b of the coil support 22, and a permanent magnet 52 is embedded in the rubber 51 to attract the first and second arms 22a, 22b.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention position accurately an actuator head suspension assembly (AHSA) relative to a magnetic disk without using any positioning jig, as achieved through a simple structure and involving no increase in manufacturing, and to prevent the AHSA from being charge. In one embodiment, a conductive AHSA includes a pivot opening formed to provide a step at an adjoining portion of two holes having different hole diameters from each other. A pivot bearing assembly includes a first conductive roller bearing and a second conductive roller bearing. The first and the second roller bearings include outer races and inner races with balls interposed between the outer races and the inner races. The first and the second roller bearings are disposed in tandem to achieve the following arrangements.

Abstract: A hard disk drive includes a base, a head stack assembly (HSA) that is mounted to the base so as to be rotatable relative to the base, a voice coil motor (VCM) block that has an upper section and a lower section respectively disposed above and below a voice coil support of the HSA, and a crash stopper that limits the rotation of the HSA at the voice coil support. The upper section of the VCM block has a through-hole through which the crash stopper extends into a space between the upper and lower sections of the VCM block. The lower section of the VCM block has a groove in which the crash stopper is received. The hard disk drive can be assembled in a top down manner to allow the assembly process to be fully automated.

Abstract: The invention includes a yoke assembly containing a top and a bottom proximity latch magnet. The invention includes a voice coil attached to a voice coil bias steel. The crash stop includes a magnetic proximity latch created by the voice coil bias steel attracted to the top and bottom proximity latch magnets. It may also include using the magnetic proximity latch with a magnetically weakened contact latch. Experiments have shown that the combined magnetic proximity latch and the magnetically weakened contact latch require significantly less initial releasing force than the prior art crash stops, and meet rotary shock requirements. The invention includes making the actuator assembly, the voice coil motor assembly, and the CSS hard disk drive. The invention includes operating the CSS hard disk drive with at least the magnetic proximity latch.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for preconditioning an elastomeric stop member to create a stabilized reference position for a moveable member by repetitively biasing the moveable member against the stop member and using the stabilized reference position to initiate a writing of servo data by the moveable member to a storage surface.

Abstract: The invention includes an impact rebound crash stop pivoting about a pivot between the top and bottom yoke of an actuator magnet assembly. The impact rebound crash stop includes a latch bias tab magnetically attracted to the voice coil magnet when it is near. The invention further includes a proximity latch allowing the actuator to stay on the ramp when not in use. The invention includes the operation of actuator arms embedding part of the magnetic proximity latch, actuators, and disk drives using the crash stop and proximity latch.

Abstract: In a state wherein an actuator is located at a shunt position, when an apparatus is subjected to an external shock, the actuator tries to swing due to a rotational moment. An inertia arm generates a rotational moment simultaneously with the actuator. Both the rotational moments competes with each other at an engaging point of the inertia arm side with the actuator side to absorb the external shock. Further the actuator tries to excessively swing exceeding the limit of the original swing range during the operation of the apparatus. In order to prevent this, the inertia arm is used.

Abstract: A hard disk drive limit stop is designed with bilinear-nonlinear properties including a second element between a collar and the actuator. The second element has characteristics that are desired for a self servo write (SSW) start-up process. The limit stop has a crown, such as a cantilever spring, that is mounted to the collar. The stiffness of the crown gives the desired motion under the electrical current applied to the voice coil. The crown is made from material that does not stick to the actuator. Alternatively, the limit stop is used for SSW only, then rotated out of the way so that it is not used during normal operation of the hard disk drive. The SSW limit stop moves out of the way after SSW is complete so that another limit stop may be used during operation.

Abstract: An apparatus restricting motion of an actuator assembly to preclude damage to a read/write head or a disc of a disc drive, the apparatus includes a pole piece with a crash stop mounting aperture and an overmolded crash stop communicating with the crash stop mounting aperture. The overmolded crash stop includes a retention channel formed by a top retention portion, a bottom retention portion and a main body portion during a process of molding the overmolded crash stop to the pole piece. The main body portion conforms to the crash stop mounting aperture, thereby precluding motion of the overmolded crash stop relative to the pole piece in a lateral direction, while the top retention portion and the bottom retention portion constrain motion of the overmolded crash stop relative to the pole piece in the vertical direction.

Abstract: The invention includes an impact rebound crash stop pivoting about a pivot between the top and bottom yoke of an actuator magnet assembly. The impact rebound crash stop includes a latch bias tab magnetically attracted to the voice coil magnet when it is near. The invention further includes a proximity latch allowing the actuator to stay on the ramp when not in use. The invention includes actuator arms embedding part of the magnetic proximity latch, actuators, and disk drives using the crash stop and proximity latch, as well as methods of making actuator arms, actuators and disk drives.

Abstract: A disk drive unit such as a hard disk drive is provided in which the efficiency of manufacturing processes, cost reductions, and space savings are achieved. The hard disk drive has a stopper that is arranged between a set of coil holding arms of an actuator. The stopper regulates inward and outward turning of the actuator. A magnet is embedded in the stopper and holds a magnetic head of the actuator on a ramp.

Abstract: A rebounding phenomenon of an actuator assembly is to be prevented and device assembling work and maintenance work are to be carried out separately from stopper removing work. In one embodiment, a magnetic disk device includes a stopper 50 for restricting a turning range of an actuator assembly 8 having a coil support 22 in a magnetic disk device. In the stopper 50, rubber 51 is cantilevered by a support rod 261 so as to undergo a moment of force and fulfill a shock absorbing function in order to restrict an excessive movement of the actuator assembly 8 to an inner or an outer side when the rubber 51 is abutted against a first arm 22a or a second arm 22b of a bifurcated shape of the coil support 22, the support rod 261 is disposed outside a turning track of turning ends of the first and second arms 22a, 22b of the coil support 22, and a permanent magnet 52 is embedded in the rubber 51 to attract the first and second arms 22a, 22b.

Abstract: An actuator stop for a disc drive having a compliant suspension member joining a rigidly supported stop pin and a noncompliant contact member. The contact member is characterized by a relatively greater compressive yield strength than that of the suspension member so that in response to an abutting engagement with the actuator. The contact member is displaceable relative to the stop pin in relation to the deflection characteristics of the suspension member.

Abstract: A magnetic disc apparatus includes a magnetic disc, a head having a read element reading information from the magnetic disc, and a head stopper limiting a moving range of the head and formed of a resin containing a hydrolyzable group in an amount not more than 0.7 mole per 100 g.

Abstract: A disk drive that includes a disk drive base, a spindle motor hub, a disk, and a rotary actuator including a distal end and is formed to pivot for translating the distal end adjacent the disk to a parked position. The disk drive includes a disk plate that includes a plate body disposed substantially about and parallel with the disk for modifying air flow adjacent the disk during operation of the disk drive. In an embodiment the disk plate includes a head limiter portion extending from the plate body. The head limiter portion is vertically aligned with the distal end with the distal end in the parked position. In other embodiment the disk plate includes an arm limiter portion vertically aligned with the actuator arm structure with the actuator arm structure in the parked position.

Abstract: A latch for securing an actuator arm of a hard disk drive. The latch has a catch portion that can engage a latch portion of the actuator arm. The latch also has a pusher portion and a crash stop portion that engage the actuator arm during movement into a latched position and prevent the latch from rebounding away from the arm. The pusher and crash stop portions eliminate the need for a separate crash stop in the disk drive. Eliminating the separate crash stop component reduces the complexity and cost for mass producing the disk drive.

Abstract: A magnetic disc drive system is disclosed. The disc drive system includes at least one substantially flat magnetic disc, at least one read/write head, at least one head stack assembly, at least one head gimbal assembly, and at least one suspension limiter. The suspension limiter is operatively connected to the head stack assembly. The distal end of the suspension limiter is positioned proximate but normally not in contact with the head gimbal assembly for preventing large head slaps in both operational and nonoperational mode.

Abstract: An end stop assembly for limiting the travel of an actuator in a disc drive, the actuator pivotally supported by an enclosure for movement of a read/write head in data reading and writing relationship to a data disc. The end stop assembly comprises a base plate fixedly positioned within the enclosure, a post extending upward from the base plate and a cantilevered arm extending outward from the post. The arm comprises a proximal end connecting the arm to the post and a distal end for providing contacting engagement with the actuator. Furthermore, the cantilevered arm is displaceable in a rotational direction substantially about the post and deformable in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An actuator with a discrete molded in bumper stop for a disc drive. The actuator has an actuator body moveably supported within the disc drive. A discrete bumper stop has an attaching portion disposed adjacent the actuator body, and an extended portion projecting from the attaching portion engageable with a reference surface of the disc drive at a selected position of the actuator. An overmold member connects the attaching portion of the bumper stop to the actuator body.

Abstract: An apparatus restricting motion of an actuator assembly to preclude damage to a read/write head or a disc of a disc drive, the apparatus includes a pole piece with a crash stop mounting aperture and an overmolded crash stop communicating with the crash stop mounting aperture. The overmolded crash stop includes a retention channel formed by a top retention portion, a bottom retention portion and a main body portion during a process of molding the overmolded crash stop to the pole piece. The main body portion conforms to the crash stop mounting aperture, thereby precluding motion of the overmolded crash stop relative to the pole piece in a lateral direction, while the top retention portion and the bottom retention portion constrain motion of the overmolded crash stop relative to the pole piece in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A crash stop assembly limits pivotal movement of an actuator assembly mounted on a base plate of a disc drive. The disc drive includes a signal channel extending from the actuator assembly to a disc drive circuit board, and the crash stop assembly includes a connector bracket secured to the base plate and supporting the signal channel. The crash stop assembly further includes a crash stop secured to the connector bracket and extending therefrom, and the crash stop includes a contact surface that contacts the actuator assembly to limit pivotal movement of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A compressive limit stop for limiting travel of an actuator assembly of a data storage device is disclosed. The compressive limit stop separates a first pole piece from a second pole piece of the data storage device, each pole piece adjacent the actuator assembly, the compressive limit stop includes a rigid body with a top flange adjacent the second pole piece and a bottom flange adjacent the first pole piece, an inner portion having a diameter less than the diameter of the top flange disposed between the top and bottom flanges forming a channel between the flanges and a compressive sleeve with an inner wall adjacent each flange while enclosing the channel to form a gap between the inner portion and the inner wall. The compressive sleeve deflects and compresses between the actuator assembly and the inner portion to decelerate movement of the actuator assembly, upon impact of the contact arm with the contact post.

Abstract: A disk drive unit such as a hard disk drive is provided in which the efficiency of manufacturing processes, cost reductions, and space savings are achieved. The hard disk drive has a stopper that is arranged between a set of coil holding arms of an actuator. The stopper regulates inward and outward turning of the actuator. A magnet is embedded in the stopper and holds a magnetic head of the actuator on a ramp.

Abstract: A disc drive assembly method for assembling a disc drive having a disc and an actuator with a tab portion disposed at a proximal end and a head on the distal end. The method consisting of rotating the actuator about a central post, contactingly engaging an outer stop. The outer stop comprises a base plate, a post extending upward from the base plate and a cantilevered arm extending outward from the post. The cantilevered arm of the outer stop is displaceable in a rotational direction substantially about the post and deformable in a direction substantially along its longitudinal axis. When the actuator engages the outer stop, the arm of the outer stop is displaced by the actuator tab portion, allowing rotation thereby, merging the heads onto the disc. Once the heads are merged, the outer stop returns to its original position to limit the rotation of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that includes a base, a first device and a second device. The first device is configured to read or write data to a data storage disk. The first device is rotatably mounted to the base and configured to rotate in a first plane. The second device is also mounted to the base. The second device is configured to adjustably limit rotational movement of the first device in the first plane. In one embodiment, the second device includes a camming surface. The camming surface can be perpendicular to the first plane in which the first device rotates. In this embodiment, the second device is rotatably mounted to the base with the second device capable of rotation between first and second positions. The first device is rotatable between third and fourth positions when the second device is in the first position, and the first device is rotatable between third and fifth positions when the second device is in the second position. The fourth and fifth positions are different from each other.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and apparatus for limiting movement of an actuator assembly in a data storage/retrieval system. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a base is provided on which first and second devices are mounted. The first device is rotatably mounted to the base and reads or writes data to a data storage disk. The second device operates between first and second states. In the first state, the first device is capable of movement with respect to the base. In the second state, the second device operates to inhibit movement of the first device with respect to the base. The second device may operate in the first state when the first device is reading or writing data to the data storage disk, and the second device may operate in the second state when the first device is not reading or writing data to the data storage disk. In one embodiment, second device is rotatably mounted to the base between first and second positions.

Abstract: A crash stop assembly limits pivotal movement of an actuator assembly mounted on a base plate of a disc drive. The disc drive includes a signal channel extending from the actuator assembly to a disc drive circuit board, and the crash stop assembly includes a connector bracket secured to the base plate and supporting the signal channel. The crash stop assembly further includes a crash stop secured to the connector bracket and extending therefrom, and the crash stop includes a contact surface that contacts the actuator assembly to limit pivotal movement of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: An actuator stop for a disc drive having a compliant suspension member joining a rigidly supported stop pin and a noncompliant contact member. The contact member is characterized by a relatively greater compressive yield strength than that of the suspension member so that in response to an abutting engagement with the actuator. The contact member is displaceable relative to the stop pin in relation to the deflection characteristics of the suspension member.

Abstract: A movable load/unload parking apparatus for a disc drive has an elongated parking member pivotally supported adjacent a data storage disc or stack of discs in the drive. The parking member is operable to move between a first position during drive shutdown and a second position during drive operation. In the first position, a pickup portion of the parking member extends over a peripheral portion of the disc to receive and carry the transducer or transducers beyond the outer diameter of the disc when the actuator rotates the actuator arm outward to a park position. At the same time a crash stop portion of the parking member is repositioned away from the actuator arm to permit the outward rotation. In the second position, the pickup portion of the parking member is positioned beyond the outer diameter of the disc and the crash stop portion is positioned to prevent movement of the actuator arm beyond the outer diameter of the disc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing deflection of an actuator assembly within a head disc assembly in a disc drive during a mechanical shock event. A snubber is fastened to a stationary portion of the head disc assembly and has a snubber body and two or more snubber arms connected to the snubber body. The adjacent snubber arms form slots therebetween. A portion of the actuator assembly may be inserted into each of the slots whereby the snubber arms will reduce the deflective movement of the actuator assembly during a mechanical shock event.