Actuator with fluid-redirecting and drag-reducing surface features
US7430097B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 29, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 30, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B5/581
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An actuator assembly is provided comprising a data transfer head moved by an actuator arm in a data storing and retrieving relationship with a data storage medium. Streamwise arranged aerodynamic fluid re-directing and drag-reducing features on a surface of the actuator arm modify frictional forces acting on the arm from a fluid flow created by moving the medium. A method is provided for improving nonrepeatable runnout disturbances in a data storage device by aligning the drag-reducing features of the actuator assembly with a direction of a mean flow direction of the fluid at an outer diameter of the storage medium to divert the fluid flow away from the head gimbal assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.