Disc drive impaction filter damping vibrations while trapping particulate contaminants

Abstract

A particulate filter for a disc drive also functions as an acoustic noise filter and a mechanical vibration filter. The impaction filter covers substantial portions of the interior of the disc drive housing, thus reducing particulates in both radial and tangential airflow currents. The impaction filter is constructed of a soft material, such as polypropylene and modified acrylic fibers, so that particulates are bound to the surface of the impaction filter upon impact. The textured surface of the filter and the static caused by the operation of the discs in close proximity with the filter cause the particulates to tend to remain bound to the filter. Because the impaction filter covers substantial portions of the interior of the disc drive housing, rather than specific locations within the housing, the particulates in the tangential airflow currents are reduced. Moreover, the fabrication and coverage area of the impaction filter reduces acoustic noise and mechanical vibrations.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.