Disk drive assembly and method having direct aerodynamic disk support
US5920443A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16C2370/12
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A disk drive assembly and method include an aerodynamic thrust bearing that utilizes a surface of a data storage disk to define the plane of rotation for the disk surface. The data disk is positioned to contact at least one air pad when the disk is in a rest position, but is supported by an air bearing when the disk is rotated. In one embodiment, there are three air pads formed on a thrust bearing ring. This drive assembly also includes a hydrodynamic journal bearing in which a journal fluid is retained between a rotating shaft and a stationary sleeve. Surface features of the shaft create dynamic pressures along the interface between the shaft and the sleeve, dissipate hydrodynamic kinetic energy at the peripheries of the active journal region, accommodate resupply of the journal fluid to the central portion of the active region, and define capillary seals to inhibit migration of the journal fluid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.