Disc drive actuator assembly drag reduction features
US6545842B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 28, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B33/08
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A disc drive has an actuator assembly that includes an actuator arm and a suspension having a load beam for supporting a head above a surface of a disc. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of surface features formed on a surface of at least one of the actuator arm and the load beam to reduce aerodynamic drag forces experienced by the actuator assembly. The disc drive may also include an air dam having a finger extending over the surface of the disc, where the finger includes a plurality of surface features to reduce flow separation of an airflow passing over the finger. The surface features may comprise dimples or V-shaped shark skin denticles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.