Patent ID: 6542328
Filing Date: 2003-04-01
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A stationary plate configured for placement between a first rotatable rigid disc and a second rotatable rigid disc of a disc drive, the disc drive having an actuator assembly which positions a head adjacent the first disc, the stationary plate comprising:a substantially circular outer circumference and a substantially circular inner circumference; a leading edge and a trailing edge, each of which extends from the inner circumference to the outer circumference to define an open portion radially extending from the outer circumference to the inner circumference and angularly extending between the trailing edge and the leading edge to accommodate radial movement of the head by the actuator assembly; and a trailing edge air dam disposed at the trailing edge and having a thickness greater than a thickness of remaining portions of the stationary plate, the trailing edge air dam diverting a substantial portion of an airflow generated by rotation of the discs away from the open portion to substantially reduce an airflow velocity near the head.