Removable disk clamp for read-write device in archival data storage library

A data storage system comprising:

• a plurality of magnetic-recording disk media;
• at least one disk storage enclosure in which the disk media are housed;
• at least one magnetic read-write device (RWD) configured to read from and to write to the disk media;
• and
• means for mounting a disk medium onto a spindle of the at least one RWD, employing a removable disk clamp assembly, the removable disk clamp assembly comprising:
• a disk clamp, and
• a mechanism for generating a force to press the disk medium to a flange of the spindle, the mechanism comprising a mechanical latch assembly comprising:
• a latch-arm coupled with and extending through the disk clamp to the spindle and configured for insertion into a latch-receptacle, and
• the latch-receptacle fixed to the spindle and configured to receive and temporarily hold the latch-arm, the latch-receptacle comprising the central receptacle.

A method for operating a removable disk clamp of a read-write device in an archival data storage library, the method comprising:

• positioning, by an automated robotic machine, a disk medium onto a spindle of a read-write device;
• temporarily clamping the disk medium onto a hub of the spindle employing a removable disk clamp assembly comprising:
• a disk clamp, and
• a mechanism for generating a predetermined force to press the disk medium to a flange of the spindle, the mechanism comprising a mechanical latch assembly comprising:
• a latch-arm coupled with and extending through the disk clamp to the spindle and configured for insertion into a latch-receptacle, the latch-arm comprising:
• a hollowed arm portion, and
• a plurality of nubs protruding from the hollowed arm portion which, when inserted into a central receptacle of the latch-receptacle, forms a mechanical latch fastener to hold the disk clamp to the spindle with the disk medium secured therebetween,
• the latch-receptacle fixed to the spindle and configured to receive and temporarily hold the latch-arm, the latch-receptacle comprising the central receptacle,
• a cap from which the latch-arm extends, and
• a spring positioned between the cap and a top surface of the disk clamp;
• removing, by the automated robotic machine, the disk clamp from the hub of the spindle by applying a counterforce to the disk clamp;
• and
• removing, by the automated robotic machine, the disk medium from the spindle.