US 2003/0214746 A1 · Active disk locking system in a disk drive using shape memory alloy

Abstract

A hard disk drive that has a locking actuator which can engage and lock a disk and spindle motor of the drive. The locking actuator may have a shape memory alloy element that causes a plunger to engage and lock a disk(s) when power is terminated to the drive. In the locked position the actuator can minimize the impact of shock and vibration loads on the spindle motor, particularly when the hard disk drive is shipped and transported. The shape memory alloy element is heated when the hard disk drive receives power. The heated shape memory alloy element disengages the plunger from the disk and allows for operation of the disk drive.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A hard disk drive, comprising:

a base plate;
a spindle motor coupled to said base plate;
a disk coupled to said spindle motor;
an actuator arm mounted to said base plate;
a voice coil motor coupled to said actuator arm;
a flexure beam coupled to said actuator arm;
a head coupled to said flexure beam and said disk;
and,
a locking actuator that is attached to said base plate and coupled to said disk.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Active disk locking system in a disk drive using shape memory alloy

Life of this patent

Active disk locking system in a disk drive using shape memory alloy

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18