Abstract
This paper summarizes functions and features of a new latch design, named as pawl latch from herein, for implementation on ramp loading disk drives, where a disk drive with a ramp would allow actuator to stay on the ramp outside the disk when not in use. The new latch system consists of two latch mechanisms : one is inertia latch and the other is magnetic latch. These two latches work together to obtain very reliable non-contact break free latch while maintaining high resistance during rotary shock condition. Simple control methods are also presented to alleviate audible noise issue generated using the pawl latch mechanism.
