Flexible support for hard disk drives to enhance operational shock resistance

The mechanical robustness during the operational shock (op-shock) is of great concern for the reliability of hard disk drives (HDDs). Owing to lack of understandings on the op-shock response of HDDs, the design optimizations for improving op-shock resistance are mainly based on plenty of experiments which are expensive and lengthy. This paper studies the mounting support effect on the op-shock response of HDDs by using a two-way coupled field analysis method. In this method, the air bearing model is integrated with the structural finite element (FE) model of the full HDD, including the all major mechanical components, such as disk, HGA, arm, actuator, spindle, ramp, base, cover, and support etc. The results reveal that the HDD support conditions have significant impact on the op-shock response. The optimal design of HDD support will help enhance the op-shock resistance.