Thermal compensation spindle for ceramic ball bearings

摘要

This invention deals with compensating for thermal changes such that the spindle motor bearing preload remains as constant as possible throughout the disc drive operational temperature range. This is achieved by selecting a combination of materials with a composite thermal expansion that offsets the differential expansion of the steel bearing supports and the ceramic balls. The change in materials and configuration can be either that of the shaft, the hub, the support members, or any combination thereof.