초록 ▼

A single-point magnetic contact latch assembly for “parking”a read/write head of a memory storage device over a data-free landing zone during off-power conditions has one or more permanent magnets, a core having a curvilinear shape on one end and an annular flange formed on the opposing end, and a c

A single-point magnetic contact latch assembly for “parking”a read/write head of a memory storage device over a data-free landing zone during off-power conditions has one or more permanent magnets, a core having a curvilinear shape on one end and an annular flange formed on the opposing end, and a casing, having an open end and a partially closed end, covering the magnet(s). The core is disposed adjacent the magnet(s) and lies within the flux paths thereof. The casing covers the core and magnet(s) so that the curvilinear end of the core extends through the partially open end of the casing. The casing abuts an outer periphery surface of the flange with a press-fit so that the casing is outwardly radially deformed at the point of abutment securely anchoring the casing, and magnet(s) in position relative to the core. The single-point magnetic contact latch assembly is mounted to a crash stop of the memory storage device and engages a ferromagnetic portion of an actuator assembly used to position the read/write head along the storage device during off-power conditions, the latch assembly locating the read/write head over the landing zone to prevent damage to the memory storage device and the read/write head caused by physical contact between the two. An alternative embodiment of the magnetic latch assembly has a substantially spherically shaped core that also provides a single-point magnetic contact between the core and the actuation assembly.

대표청구항 ▼

A magnetic means for magnetically engaging a ferromagnetic strike plate of an actuator at a single point of magnetic contact to position a head assembly of a disk drive over a data storage device when power is off to said data storage device, said magnetic means comprising a ferromagnetic core with

A magnetic means for magnetically engaging a ferromagnetic strike plate of an actuator at a single point of magnetic contact to position a head assembly of a disk drive over a data storage device when power is off to said data storage device, said magnetic means comprising a ferromagnetic core with a contact end and an opposite end spaced along an axis thereof, and a permanent magnet with first and second poles spaced along an axis thereof, said axes being coincident with the majority of flux from the magnet being channeled through the ferromagnetic core to establish the single point of magnetic contact between the ferromagnetic core and the strike plate.