US 6,550,328 B1 · Dynamic balance correction for a disc drive

Abstract

Method for balancing a rotary object, such as a disc drive disc pack. A balance correction member is provided as a C-shaped ring formed from a length of wire of nominally uniform cross-sectional area. The member has a substantially elliptical shape in an uncompressed state. During installation, the amount of imbalance in the disc pack is measured and a member with an appropriate length is selected and compressed to a substantially circular shape. The compressed member is then placed adjacent the disc pack so that the member expands to compressingly engage an annular recess in the disc pack. The member is preferably installed using an automated dynamic balance correction station as part of a high volume disc drive manufacturing environment.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A method for removing imbalance in an object rotatable about an axis, the object having a rotatable body with a distal surface which circumferentially extends about the axis, the method comprising steps of:

(a) forming an annular recess in the rotatable body which circumferentially extends about the axis and depends from the distal surface;
(b) providing a balance correction member comprising a c-shaped ring with a substantially elliptical shape formed from a wire having a selected length and a nominally uniform cross-sectional area;
(c) compressing the balance correction member to a substantially circular shape;
and
(d) placing the compressed balance correction member within the annular recess so that the compressed balance correction member expands and compressingly engages the rotatable body.

2 more elements

A method for attaching a balance correction member to a disc pack of a disc drive to form a balance corrected disc pack, the disc pack rotatable about an axis and having a spindle motor hub about which is arranged at least one magnetic recording disc and a clampring which exerts a clamping force on the disc, the method comprising steps of:

(a) measuring imbalance present in the disc pack;
(b) selecting a balance correction member in relation to the measured imbalance in the disc pack, the balance correction member comprising a c-shaped ring with a substantially elliptical shape formed from a wire having a selected length and a nominally uniform cross-sectional area along the selected length;
(c) compressing the balance correction member into a substantially circular shape;
and
(d) placing the compressed balance correction member within an annular recess of the clampring so that the compressed balance correction member expands and compressingly engages the rotatable body.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dynamic balance correction for a disc drive

Life of this patent

Dynamic balance correction for a disc drive

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9