Stiffness Reducing Features in a Top Layer of a Laminated Top Cover

Abstract

Stiffness reducing features for top covers of data storage systems are provided to prevent delaminating of top layers of the top covers. A top cover for a data storage system includes a bottom layer, a top layer and an adhesive layer that interconnects the top and bottom layers. At least one groove is formed in and extends along the top layer. The at least one groove reduces a thickness of the top layer along the at least one groove.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a disk drive with a top cover removed.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a top cover of a disk drive.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a bottom facing surface of a top layer of the top cover.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view illustrating stiffness reducing features.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating one embodiment of each stiffness reducing feature in a top layer of a top cover.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating another embodiment of each stiffness reducing feature in a top layer of a top cover.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating yet another embodiment of each stiffness reducing feature in a top layer of a top cover.

Claims

1. A top cover for a data storage system comprising: a bottom layer;a top layer;an adhesive layer interconnecting the top and bottom layers; andat least one groove formed in and extending along the top layer, the at least one groove reduces a thickness of the top layer along the at least one groove.

2. The top cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove is formed on a bottom facing surface of the top layer.

3. The top cover of claim 2, further comprising at least one indention formed on a top facing surface of the top layer and opposite each groove formed in the bottom facing surface of the top layer.

4. The top cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove is arcuate shaped.

5. The top cover of claim 1, wherein the at least one groove is rectangular shaped.

6. The top cover of claim 1, wherein each groove is arranged to extend substantially parallel to one another along the top layer.

7. The top cover of claim 1, wherein each groove is arranged in a first group of grooves that extend linearly along the top cover and parallel to one another.

8. The top cover of claim 7, wherein the top layer comprises: a first lengthwise edge and an opposing second lengthwise edge;a first widthwise edge and an opposing second widthwise edge; andwherein each groove in the first group of grooves extend between the first lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge of the top layer.

9. The top cover of claim 8, further comprising at least one groove arranged in a second group of grooves that extend linearly along the top cover and parallel to one another.

10. The top cover of claim 9, wherein each groove in the second group of grooves extends between the second lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge of the top layer.

11. A data storage system comprising: a base;a top cover comprising: a bottom layer;a top layer having a top facing surface and an opposing bottom facing surface;an adhesive layer interconnecting the top and bottom layers; andat least one groove formed in the bottom facing surface of the top layer, the at least one groove reduces a thickness of the top layer along the at least one groove.

12. The data storage system of claim 11, wherein each groove is arranged to extend substantially parallel to one another along the bottom facing surface of the top layer.

13. The data storage system of claim 11, wherein each groove is arranged to extend linearly along the bottom facing surface of the top layer.

14. The data storage system of claim 13, wherein the top layer of the top cover comprises: a first lengthwise edge and an opposing second lengthwise edge;a first widthwise edge and an opposing second widthwise edge; andwherein the at least one groove is oriented to extend between the first lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge.

15. The data storage system of claim 14, further comprising at least one groove that is oriented to extend between the second lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge of the top layer.

16. The data storage system of claim 15, wherein the at least one groove that extends between the first lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge of the top layer extends along a line that intersects with the at least one groove that extends between the second lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge of the top layer.

17. The data storage system of claim 11, further comprising at least one indention formed on the top facing surface of the top layer and opposite each groove formed in the bottom facing surface of the top layer.

18. A top cover for a data storage system comprising: a bottom layer;a top layer having a bottom facing surface and a top facing surface;an adhesive layer positioned between the bottom layer and the bottom facing surface of the top layer; andmeans for reducing stiffness in the top layer, the means for reducing stiffness formed in the bottom facing surface of the top layer to reduce stiffness in the top layer.

19. The top cover of claim 18, wherein the means for reducing stiffness are arranged in a first group and a second group.

20. The top cover of claim 19, wherein the first group of the means for reducing stiffness is formed between a first lengthwise edge and a first widthwise edge of the top layer and formed between a second lengthwise edge opposing the first lengthwise edge and the first widthwise edge of the top layer.