Rotational shock tester apparatus

Details Rotational shock tester apparatus Rotational shock tester apparatus

1999-05-06

2001-10-30

Williams, Hezron (Department: 2855)

Measuring and testing

Testing by impact or shock

Accelerated or decelerated specimen

C073S012010, C073S012070, C073S012090, C073S012120

Reexamination Certificate

active

06308555

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a rotational shock tester apparatus; more specifically, to an apparatus for measuring rotational shock tolerances of a latch for an actuator for use in a disc drive system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The ability to shock test disc drives allows disc drive manufacturers to improve the design of their disc drive systems, which, in most instances, improves the performance and stability of the disc drive during use and transport. Previously, only linear shock test systems existed.
Although the linear shock testers allowed the measurement of the amount of force required to break the disc drive, these testers nonetheless did not measure rotational shock tolerances of the disc drive elements. The amount of force imparted from a rotational shock that a disc drive, such as, for example, a hard disc drive (“HDD”), can withstand provides an indication as to the amount of force required to uncouple a latch mechanism of an actuator such that the actuator is displaced, or unparked, from its parking zone. If the actuator is displaced from the parking zone, the head, which is disposed at one end of the actuator, will adhere to the media in the data zone. The adherence of the head to the media is called stiction. If stiction occurs, the drive cannot be started again.
In an attempt to determine the amount of force imparted from rotational shock that a disc drive can sustain, rotational shock testers have been designed. In current designs, such as, for example, the designs by GHI Systems, the rotational shock tester induces rotational acceleration by a spring-latch, similar to a catapult. At least one problem with this design is that the center of rotation may not be coincide the desirable location on the test specimen, such as, for example, the spindle, the center of the pivot of the actuator arm or any location allowing the test specimen to be off-set.
Although the rotational shock testers allow for the measurement of rotational information, currently used shock testers are stand-alone testing systems and do not provide any information that allows an evaluation of the design of the disc drive system. A need in the industry exists for a rotational shock tester that allows for the measurement of rotational shock tolerances, and further, allows for an evaluation of the disc drive system such that the disc drive system can be designed to minimize susceptibility to rotational shock.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a shock tester system that measures the amount of rotational force that a latch mechanism on a disc drive can withstand prior to uncoupling such that the actuator is dislodged from its parked position.
Embodiments of the rotational shock tester system comprise a disc drive support system, a drop mechanism and an impact apparatus. The disc drive support system includes a plurality of plates, wherein the plates include a mounting plate, a rotation plate and a center of gravity plate. The plates are coupled together such that the rotation plate and center of gravity plates are free to rotate in relation to the mounting plate. The disc drive to be tested is mounted to the center of gravity plate.
The drop mechanism, which is coupled to the disc drive support system, includes a plurality of blocks and an elevating apparatus, wherein the plurality of blocks include at least one elevating block, or drop block, and a stationary block, or a linear drop stopper, wherein the blocks are stacked on top of each other. The elevating apparatus is configured to elevate and release the drop block such that upon release the drop block will return to its position adjacent the linear drop stopper.
The impact apparatus is releasably coupled to the drop mechanism and is aligned with the plurality of plates such that upon release of the drop block, the rotation plate impacts the impact apparatus such that the impact apparatus imparts an angular acceleration to the rotation plate and imparts a rotational shock to the disc drive. The impact apparatus can be coupled to the drop mechanism such that the rotation plate rotates either clockwise or in a counter clockwise direction.


REFERENCES:
patent: 6050127 (2000-04-01), Rao et al.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Rotational shock tester apparatus does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Rotational shock tester apparatus, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rotational shock tester apparatus will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2584603