Shock resistant suspension limiter for a disc drive
US6424498B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/4826
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A suspension limiter for limiting travel of a read/write transducer gimbal in a disc drive is disclosed that positively engages or interlocks with a feature of the load beam supporting the gimbal, or vice versa, to preclude disengagement of the limiter during an abnormal external shock event. One embodiment has a hook on the load beam that fits within a hole gimbal to interlock the two together. Another embodiment has a hook on the gimbal that fits within a hole in the load beam during a shock event. Another embodiment has tabs on the gimbal that hook over a notch in side fingers extending from the end of the load beam on either side of the gimbal. Another embodiment has a hooked tab on the load beam that extends through an aperture in the gimbal to interlock the gimbal and load beam together during a shock load event. Each of the embodiments prevents catastrophic plastic deformation of the gimbal during such events.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.