Active disk locking system in a disk drive using shape memory alloy

摘要

A hard disk drive that has a locking actuator which can engage and lock a disk and spindle motor of the drive. The locking actuator may have a shape memory alloy element that causes a plunger to engage and lock a disk(s) when power is terminated to the drive. In the locked position the actuator can minimize the impact of shock and vibration loads on the spindle motor, particularly when the hard disk drive is shipped and transported. The shape memory alloy element is heated when the hard disk drive receives power. The heated shape memory alloy element disengages the plunger from the disk and allows for operation of the disk drive.