Method for fabricating an apparatus for use in a tape drive

摘要

An integrated reel hub and motor shaft assembly for a tape drive that limits axial and radial run-out of tape (e.g., magnetic, optical) relative to a read/write head assembly and the various errors (e.g., loading, tension, reading, writing, and the like) associated therewith. In one arrangement, a reel hub of a reel assembly is directly molded (e.g., via an injection molding process) onto and around an end of a drive or motor shaft of a drive assembly. As a result, a more consistent head to tape interface, greater tape tracking performance, increased track density, and the like may be achieved.

主权项

1. A method of fabricating an apparatus for use in a tape drive, comprising:
providing a motor shaft having first and second ends and a rotational axis extending between the first and second ends; and molding a hub of a reel assembly to the first end of the motor shaft to form an integral piece with the motor shaft, wherein after the molding, the hub comprises:
an outer circumferential surface that is adapted to receive a tape pack thereon;a rotational axis that is collinear with the rotational axis of the motor shaft; andfirst and second laterally opposed sides; securing a first flange member to the first opposed side of the hub; and securing a second flange member to the second opposed side of the hub, wherein the first and second flange members are adapted to contain the tape pack therebetween.