Patent ID: 6038103
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
A snap-fit base plate for attaching a head assembly of a disc drive to an actuator arm having an opening, the opening having an inner surface having an inner diameter, wherein the inner surface of the opening in the actuator arm has a yield stress, the base plate comprising:a flange portion for sandwiching a portion of the head assembly between the flange portion and the actuator arm; anda plurality of raised portions, each portion having an outer surface defining a cylinder having a relaxed outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the opening in the actuator arm, the plurality of raised portions of the base plate being insertable into the opening in the actuator arm so that the outer surfaces of the raised portions engage the inner surface of the opening, the raised portions having a yield stress at least five times less than the yield stress of the inner surface of the opening in the actuator arm to elastically deform to conform to and bias against the inner surface of the opening in the actuator arm.