Western Digital Technologies, Inc.

Brian S Nihei

Wojciech Szeremeta

Steven T Peng

Wally Szeremeta

Robert G Fairchild

Ruggedized enclosure for a data storage device

The embodiments provide a rugged enclosure for an external drive. The enclosure is configured to provide shock protection and protect the external drive from contaminants. The enclosure may be provided with a set of cushions and spacers to accommodate different sizes and types of external drives. In addition, the enclosure may comprise a port that allows for use of the external drive while enclosed. Furthermore, the enclosure may comprise a retaining feature like a loop or lanyard that allows the enclosure to be easily transported and secured.

Ruggedized enclosure for data storage device

The invention relates to an improved seal that allows for a fastener-less/adhesive-less assembly retention method. In particular, the seal may comprise a plurality of integral retention prongs that allows permanent assembly with a plastic housing via friction. The seal is self-retaining, and thus, does not require a fastener or glue. The seal protects the interior of the enclosure from moisture and contaminants when exposed to a mobile environment. In addition, the seal provides sufficient resistance to deliver a proper sealing force and tactile feel to a user when closing the rugged enclosure, while maintaining its shape.

Self retaining elastomeric seal

A method may comprise generating a first electronic model of a workpiece to be manufactured using an injection-molding process. The first electronic model may then be analyzed and the workpiece in the first electronic model may then be selectively distorted according to the analysis. A second electronic model of the distorted workpiece may then be generated. The workpiece may then be injection-molded within a mold generated using the second electronic model. Thereafter, the workpiece may be cooled such that the injection-molded workpiece gradually assumes the shape or substantially the shape of the workpiece in the first electronic model.

Injection molding part with 'zero draft' design and manufacturing methodologies

A data storage assembly including an enclosure including a first set of one or more pockets for receiving a first set of one or more shock mounts configured to be coupled to a data storage device, a cover configured to enclose the enclosure, and a set of one or more retention clips separate from the cover and configured to latch with the first set of one or more pockets to retain the first set of one or more shock mounts.

Captivating shock mounts for data storage devices using retention clips

An information storage device includes a disk drive and a disk drive printed circuit board (PCB) with a disk drive interface connector. A bridge controller PCB is connected to the disk drive interface connector, and includes a host interface connector. An electrically conductive nest of monolithic construction receives the disk drive housing and the bridge controller PCB. The electrically conductive nest includes an enclosure portion enclosing the bridge controller PCB with a conductive grounding tab in contact with the host interface connector. The enclosure portion includes a first plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing. The electrically conductive nest also includes an extended shield portion adjacent the second side of the disk drive base and overlying the disk drive controller PCB. The extended shield portion includes a second plurality of conductive fingers each in contact with the disk drive housing.

Information storage device having a disk drive and a bridge controller PCB within a monolithic conductive nest

An information storage device includes a housing having a cavity, and a sliding door partially covering the cavity. The housing has a first groove and a second groove on opposite sides of the cavity. The sliding door includes first and second edges adjacent the first and second grooves, respectively. The sliding door also includes first and second tabs protruding from the first and second edges into the first and second grooves, respectively. The first and second tabs define first and second tab lengths measured parallel to the first and second edges, respectively. There are first and second through-slots in the sliding door adjacent the first and second tabs, respectively. The first and second through-slots define first and second through-slot lengths measured parallel to the first and second edges, respectively. The first and second through-slot lengths are greater than the first and second tab lengths, respectively.

Growing community of inventors

Fountain Valley, CA, United States of America

Brian S Nihei