Clamp retention apparatus for rotational disk drive components

A snap-fit, clamp retention device for securing a disk of a disk drive to a rotational spindle, comprising:

• an annular body having a plurality of symmetrically spaced-apart apertures formed therein;
• a continuous lower rim circumscribing a lower end of the body and extending radially outward from the body, wherein the lower rim is concave up;
• a plurality of discrete rigid, planar flanges protruding horizontally from an upper end of the first rim;
• a continuous upper rim circumscribing an upper end of the body and extending radially inward from the body, wherein the upper rim is concave down;
• and
• a plurality of discrete, compliant tabs extending downward and slightly radially inward from the upper rim in a symmetrical array, each tab having a generally L-shaped cross-section with a small, inward-turned flange protruding from a distal end, and each tab also having a small opening extending therethrough.

A disk drive sub-assembly, comprising:

• a rotational spindle having a circumferential shoulder in an outer surface and a seat;
• a disk having a radial inner edge located in the seat;
• a snap-fit, clamp retention device for securing the disk to the rotational spindle;
• wherein the clamp retention device comprises:
• an annular body,
• a first rim circumscribing one end of the body and extending radially outward from the body, wherein the disk is located between the first rim and the seat in the spindle;
• a second rim circumscribing an opposite end of the body and extending radially inward from the body;
• and
• a plurality of compliant tabs extending from the second rim, each tab having a flange protruding from a distal end into the shoulder in the spindle.