Modified gimbal tongue designs to reduce particle sensitivity
US6744602B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 8, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/4826
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Herein is disclosed a method and apparatus for reducing particle collection on a slider or gimbal tongue. The gimbal tongue is shaped so as to interact with airflow within a disc drive to direct particles away from the slider and gimbal tongue. The leading edge of the gimbal tongue overhangs the leading edge of the slider. As air current approaches such a geometry, a large pocket of slow moving, high pressure air is created just upwind of the slider. Thus, as particulate matter encounters this pocket, the matter is slowed and its momentum is partially dissipated. A vent is provided in the gimbal tongue. The vent permits an escape route for the particles to move to an area of lower pressure, located on the other side of the gimbal tongue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.