USOO8064194B2
`
`(12) Un1ted States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 8,064,194 B2
`
`Szeremeta
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Nov. 22, 2011
`
`(54) MECHANICALLY DECOUPLED STATUS
`LENS
`
`(75)
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`Inventor: Wally Szeremeta, M1ss1onV1eJo, CA
`(US)
`
`-
`-
`-
`.
`~
`(73) Ass1gnee. Western Dlgltal Technologles, Inc.,
`Ieres CA (Us)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U S C 154(1)) b 168 da S
`'
`'
`'
`y
`y '
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/485,866
`
`(22)
`
`(65)
`
`F11ed:
`
`Jun. 16, 2009
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2010/0315923 A1
`Dec. 16, 2010
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06F 1/16
`(52) US. Cl.
`................... 361/679.33; 710/300; 455/566;
`369/53.1
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 710/300;
`709/205; 369/531; 455/425, 566, 556.1;
`361/679.32, 679.33, 679.34, 679.35, 679.36,
`361/679.37, 679.52
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,484,469 A
`11/1984 Grover et a1.
`5,265,177 A
`11/1993 Cho et a1.
`
`8/1996 Va? WOeSik 6t al~
`5,550,944 A
`8/1997 Wicks et a1.
`5,654,846 A
`8/1997 Smithson et a1.
`5,654,873 A
`6/1998 Ruch et a1.
`5,764,481 A
`5/2000 Sands et 31.
`6,064,569 A
`5/2001 Gamble et a1.
`6,231,224 B1
`8/2002 Gamble et a1.
`6,431,718 B1
`8/2003 Cruz et a1.
`6,608,750 B2
`8/2004 Chen
`6,773,125 B2
`6,970,352 B2 * 11/2005 Record et 31.
`7,111,973 B2
`9/2006 Liu
`.
`7,431,487 B2
`10/2008 Burca
`2002/0093788 A1
`7/2002 RomSChlld
`2004/0257760 A1
`12/2004 Record et a1.
`2006/0114758 A1
`6/2006 Jones et a1.
`2007/0233781 A1* 10/2007 Starr et a1.
`.................... 709/203
`2008/0130219 A1
`6/2008 Rabinovitz
`2008/0288697 A1* 11/2008 Kim .............................. 710/300
`
`............ 361/679.32
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`Web pages downloaded from Industrial Fiber Optics website on Jun.
`16, 2009, http://www.i-fiberoptics.com/light-pipe-connector.php.
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Hung Duong
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A disk drive includes a light source configured to emit light
`indicative ofa disk drive status. A disk drive status light guide
`system for a disk drive also includes a first light pipe config-
`ured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to the disk
`drive and configured to directly receive and guide light emit-
`ted by the light source, and a second light pipe separate from
`the first light pipe, the second light pipe configured to receive
`and guide light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible
`to a user.
`
`36 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets
`
`/ 100
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`H51)
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`H50
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`II4
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`APPLE 1063
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`1
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`APPLE 1063
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 1 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 132
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`/ 100
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`
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`774
`
`FIG. 1A
`
`2
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 2 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 132
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`H51)
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`H56
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`FIG. 15’
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`3
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 3 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`[75b
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`“56'
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`FIG. 10
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`4
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 4 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 132
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`
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`FIG. 2
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`5
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 5 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`
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`FIG. 3
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`6
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 6 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`106
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`FIG. 4
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`7
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 7 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`724
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`708
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`706
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`720
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`770
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`FIG. 5
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`8
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 8 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`
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`FIG.
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`7A
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`722
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`1301)
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`778
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`FIG. 7B
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`9
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 9 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`778
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`,/ 706
` I22
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`720
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`722
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`FIG. 7C
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`/706
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`FIG. 7B
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`10
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`10
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 10 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`11
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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 22, 2011
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`Sheet 11 of 11
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`US 8,064,194 132
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`/ .900
`
`
`
`the disk
`Provide an external case and a disk drive,
`drive including a light source configured to emit
`light
`indicative of a disk drive status
`
`.902
`
`Provide a first
`
`light pipe and a second light pipe
`
`904
`
`
`
`light pipe to the disk drive such that
`Couple the first
`the first
`light pipe is positioned to directly receive
`and guide light emitted by the light source
`
`906
`
`Couple the second light pipe to the external case
`
`.908
`
`Position the disk drive within the external case such
`
`light pipe to a status lens
`
`the second light pipe is separated from the first
`that
`light pipe and positioned to receive and guide light
`from the first
`
`.970
`
`FIG. 9
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`12
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`12
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`

`

`US 8,064,194 B2
`
`1
`MECHANICALLY DECOUPLED STATUS
`LENS
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Both external and internal disk drives are typically associ-
`ated with at least one disk drive status light, often used to
`provide an indication ofdi sk drive read/write activity. In some
`disk drives, an external electrical connector couples the disk
`drive to a separate disk drive status light incorporated into a
`computer case or external disk drive case. The disk drive may
`then drive the status light during operation.
`In other disk drives, the disk drive status light is formed
`integrally with the disk drive, and light emitted by the status
`light may be guided outside an external case holding the disk
`drive (e.g., via one or more holes in the external case). Unfor-
`tunately, when the disk drive status light is a component ofthe
`disk drive, the location of the status light may not be ideal for
`viewing by a user, due to space and configuration constraints
`on the disk drive. As a result, relatively complex light guides
`may be formed between the disk drive status light and a lens
`visible to the user. Since the lens is typically coupled to an
`external case ofthe disk drive, as the disk drive moves relative
`to the external case, stresses may be introduced into the physi-
`cal components of the light guide system coupling the disk
`drive status light to the lens.
`There is therefore a need for an improved light guide sys-
`tem between a disk drive status light and a lens.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an external disk drive,
`according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the external disk drive of
`FIG. 1A with an external case removed to show first and
`
`second light pipes, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the external disk drive of
`FIG. 1A with the external case and the second light pipe
`removed, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a printed circuit
`board, first light pipe and second light pipe ofthe external disk
`drive of FIG. 1A, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating the printed circuit board,
`the first light pipe and the second light pipe of FIG. 2, accord-
`ing to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective, magnified view ofthe first light pipe
`and the second light pipe ofthe external disk drive of FIG. 1A,
`according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 5 is a side view of the first light pipe and the second
`light pipe of FIG. 4 as well as a light source, according to one
`illustrated embodiment.
`
`FIG. 6 is an illustration of a light path defined by the first
`and second light pipes of FIG. 4, according to one illustrated
`embodiment.
`
`FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the first light pipe of FIG.
`4, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 7B is a side view ofthe first light pipe ofFIG. 4 as well
`as a light source, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the first light pipe and the light
`source of FIG. 7B, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 7D is a top view of the first light pipe of FIG. 4,
`according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 8A is a front, perspective view ofthe second light pipe
`of FIG. 4, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 8B is a front view of the second light pipe of FIG. 4,
`according to one illustrated embodiment.
`
`2
`
`FIG. 8C is a rear, perspective view of the second light pipe
`of FIG. 4, according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 8D is a rear view of the second light pipe of FIG. 4,
`according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. SE is a side view of the second light pipe of FIG. 4,
`according to one illustrated embodiment.
`FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for a method of manufactur-
`
`ing an external disk drive, according to one illustrated
`embodiment.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C, an external disk drive
`100 is illustrated, according to one embodiment. The external
`disk drive 100 comprises an external case 102 and a disk drive
`104 positioned within the external case 102, the disk drive
`104 including a light source (see, e.g., the light source 118 in
`FIG. 5) configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive
`status. FIGS. 1B and 1C illustrate the external disk drive 100
`with the external case 102 removed to better illustrate the disk
`
`drive 104 and other components. A first light pipe 106 is
`mechanically coupled to the disk drive 104 and positioned
`and configured to directly receive and guide light emitted by
`the light source. A second light pipe 108 (illustrated in FIG.
`1B, but removed in FIG. 1C) is mechanically coupled to the
`external case 102 and separated from the first light pipe 106.
`The second light pipe 108 may be positioned and configured
`to receive and guide light from the first light pipe 106 to a
`status lens 110 visible outside the external case 102.
`
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`The external disk drive 100 may comprise any of a variety
`of external storage devices configured to communicate with a
`personal computer. For example, the external disk drive 100
`may comprise an external drive having a Universal Serial Bus
`(USB), FireWire or other serial interface, a networked disk
`drive providing file server capabilities, a personal media
`device having an internal disk drive (e.g., an mp3 player), or
`a cellular phone having an internal disk drive. In addition to
`the disk drive 104, the external disk drive 100 may include
`various controllers and/or processors configured to perform
`computing tasks.
`The external case 102 may comprise any of a variety of
`cases configured to surround and protect the disk drive 104.
`As illustrated, the external case 102 may be shaped similarly
`to and tightly enclose the disk drive 104. However, in other
`embodiments, the external case 102 may have any shape and
`size and may incorporate a number of other electronic com-
`ponents in addition to the disk drive 104. The external case
`102 may also include one or more holes 112 to accommodate
`interconnections with the disk drive 104 (e.g., to enable com-
`munication with and/or powering of the disk drive 104). As
`illustrated in FIG. 1A, the hole 112 through the external case
`102 may be aligned with a USB interface of the disk drive
`104, and may be dimensioned to receive a USB connector.
`The external case 102 may further include a hole 114 config-
`ured and dimensioned to receive the status lens 110, thus
`providing a visible indication of disk drive status to the user.
`The external case 102 may comprise any of a variety of
`materials. In one embodiment, the external case 102 com-
`prises a plurality of molded plastic pieces. The external case
`102 may be modular, such that the same molded plastic pieces
`may be used to form a variety of differently shaped and sized
`external cases. In another embodiment, the external case 102
`may comprise metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
`The disk drive 104 comprises a magnetic disk drive. How-
`ever, the structures and methods described herein may also be
`applied to and/or implemented in other disk drives, including,
`e.g., optical and magneto-optical disk drives. Indeed, in other
`13
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`

`US 8,064,194 B2
`
`3
`embodiments, the disk drive 104 may be replaced by other
`electronic storage devices (e.g., solid state devices) posi-
`tioned within an external case.
`
`The disk drive 104 includes a light source (see ,e.g., the
`light source 118 of FIG. 5) configured to emit light indicative
`of a disk drive status. The disk drive status may be associated
`with a variety of different disk drive characteristics. In one
`embodiment, the disk drive status corresponds to disk drive
`activity. For example, when the disk drive 104 is accessing
`data (i.e., reading data from or writing data to a disk), the light
`source may be configured to emit light. In other embodi-
`ments, the disk drive status may correspond to track seeking,
`external communications, disk drive processor usage, or
`other disk drive characteristics. In still other embodiments,
`one or more light sources may be employed, with different
`colors and/or intensities of light indicative of different disk
`drive status measures. For example, writing data to a disk and
`reading data from a disk may be associated with different
`colors or light intensities.
`The light source may comprise any of a variety of light
`sources and may be positioned in different locations on the
`disk drive 104. In one embodiment, the light source com-
`prises a light emitting diode (LED), such as a low profile and
`low power surface mounted LED. In another embodiment, a
`laser source may be used. The light source may also be driven
`by a variety of different circuitry in the disk drive 104,
`depending upon the type of light source and the disk drive
`status associated with the light source. In one embodiment, a
`disk drive controller may control the light source based upon
`disk drive activity.
`In one embodiment, the external disk drive 100 further
`includes a light guide system configured to receive light emit-
`ted by the light source, the light guide system comprising a
`first light pipe 106 and a second light pipe 108 (illustrated in
`FIG. 1B). The first light pipe 106 may be mechanically
`coupled to the disk drive 104, and positioned and configured
`to directly receive and guide light emitted by the light source.
`The first light pipe 106 may be mechanically coupled to the
`disk drive 104 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the
`first light pipe 106 may be mechanically coupled to a PCB of
`the disk drive 104 via a snap fit coupling proximate the light
`source. For example, the PCB may include one or more holes
`near the light source, and the first light pipe 106 may include
`at least one pair of outwardly facing prongs that may be
`inserted through the holes to fix the first light pipe 106 relative
`to the PCB. In other embodiments, the first light pipe 106 may
`be mechanically coupled via a friction fit, adhesives, screws
`or other structures. In still other embodiments, the first light
`pipe 106 may be formed integrally with the disk drive 104.
`The first light pipe 106 may be positioned to directly
`receive and guide light emitted by the light source. In one
`embodiment, a first optical quality surface of the first light
`pipe 106 is proximate to and faces the light source, and the
`light entering the first optical quality surface may be guided
`through the first light pipe 106 to a second optical quality
`surface where the light may exit the first light pipe 106. The
`first light pipe 106 may receive and guide only a small per-
`centage of the light emitted by the light source, although, in
`some embodiments, a substantial majority ofthe light emitted
`by the light source enters the first light pipe 106.
`The first light pipe 106 may be formed from a variety of
`materials configured to conduct light therethrough. In one
`embodiment, the first light pipe 106 may comprise polycar-
`bonate. In another embodiment, the first light pipe 106 may
`comprise an acrylic material. In other embodiments, the first
`light pipe 106 may comprise glass, glass fibers or other mate-
`rials.
`
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`The second light pipe 108 may be mechanically coupled to
`the external case 102 and separated from the first light pipe
`106. In one embodiment, the second light pipe 108 is further
`positioned and configured to receive and guide light from the
`first light pipe 106 to a status lens 110 visible outside the
`external case 102. The second light pipe 108 may be mechani-
`cally coupled to the external case 102 in a variety of ways. In
`one embodiment, the second light pipe 108 is ultrasonically
`welded to the external case 102. In another embodiment, the
`second light pipe 108 may be adhesively coupled to the exter-
`nal case 102. In yet another embodiment, a friction fit may be
`formed between the hole 114 through the external case 102
`and an elongate portion of the second light pipe 108 defining
`the status lens 110. In other embodiments, the second light
`pipe 108 may be mechanically coupled to the external case
`102 via a snap fit, a friction fit, screws or other structures. In
`still other embodiments, the second light pipe 108 may be
`formed integrally with the external case 102.
`The second light pipe 108 may be positioned to receive and
`guide light from the first light pipe 106 to a status lens 110. In
`one embodiment, a third optical quality surface of the second
`light pipe 108 is proximate to and faces the second optical
`quality surface of the first light pipe 106. The light entering
`the second light pipe 108 via the third optical quality surface
`may then be guided to a status lens 110 (which may comprise
`a separate component or may be integrated with the second
`light pipe 108). The second light pipe 108 may receive and
`guide only a small percentage of the light exiting the second
`optical quality surface, although, in some embodiments, a
`substantial majority of the light exiting the second optical
`quality surface enters the second light pipe 108. The status
`lens 110 simply comprises a surface configured to allow light
`to pass therethrough, such that a user might view the light. In
`some embodiments, the status lens 110 may be defined by a
`surface of the second light pipe 108. In other embodiments,
`the status lens 110 may be formed separately. For example,
`the status lens 110 may comprise a surface ofa third light pipe
`(not shown) configured to receive light from the second light
`pipe 108.
`The second light pipe 108 may be formed from a variety of
`materials designed to conduct light therethrough. In some
`embodiments, the first and second light pipes 106, 108 may be
`made from the same materials, although, in other embodi-
`ments, different materials may be used. In one embodiment,
`the second light pipe 108 may comprise polycarbonate. In
`another embodiment, the second light pipe 108 may comprise
`an acrylic material. In other embodiments, the second light
`pipe 108 may comprise glass, glass fibers or other materials.
`Although described in the context of an external disk drive
`100, the light guide system described herein may also be used
`with other media storage devices (including, e. g., internal
`electronic storage devices). In addition, although described as
`including just two light pipes, other light guide systems may
`include more than two light pipes in accordance with some
`embodiments.
`As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the external disk drive
`100 may further include a soft disk drive suspension 115. The
`soft disk drive suspension 115 includes four comer pieces
`115a-d and enables the disk drive 104 to move within a
`
`limited range substantially independently ofthe external case
`102. This soft disk drive suspension 115 may help isolate
`these two components of the external disk drive 100, thus
`helping to mitigate external shocks to the disk drive 104 as
`well as to prevent the external case 102 from vibrating based
`on internal vibrations induced by the rotation of disks or the
`movement of actuators.
`
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`

`

`US 8,064,194 B2
`
`5
`FIGS. 2 and 3 show perspective and top views, respec-
`tively, of a printed circuit board (PCB) 116, the first and
`second light pipes 106, 108 and a light source 118. As illus-
`trated therein, the first light pipe 106 may be mechanically
`coupled near a “front” ofthe PCB 116, substantially covering
`the light source 118. Of course, in different embodiments, the
`first light pipe 106 may be coupled to the PCB 116 at any of
`a variety of locations, just as the light source 118 may be
`positioned at any of a variety of locations. The PCB 116 may
`also hold a variety of other disk drive circuitry, including a
`disk drive controller for controlling read and write operations
`and a servo control system for generating servo control sig-
`nals.
`
`FIGS. 4 and 5 show perspective and side magnified views,
`respectively, of the first light pipe 106, the second light pipe
`108, and the light source 118. As is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5,
`the first light pipe 106 may include a first optical quality
`surface 120 proximate to and facing the light source 118, and
`a second optical quality surface 122 proximate to and facing
`the second light pipe 108. These optical quality surfaces 120,
`122 may be polished or otherwise prepared to efficiently
`receive and/or emit light and to minimize reflectance. In one
`embodiment, the first optical quality surface 120 comprises a
`rectangular surface having a larger surface area than that of
`the rectangular light source 118. In another embodiment, the
`first optical quality surface 120 may have any of a variety of
`geometrical shapes and may be larger or smaller than the light
`source 118. The second optical quality surface 122 may also
`comprise a rectangular surface, although this surface 122 may
`also have any of a variety of shapes and sizes.
`The first optical quality surface 120 may be separated from
`the light source 118 by less than 1 mm, in order to improve
`light transmission between the light source 118 and the first
`light pipe 106. In some embodiments, the first optical quality
`surface 120 may be separated from the light source 118 by
`less than 0.5 mm. In one embodiment, only air may separate
`the first optical quality surface 120 from the light source 118.
`However,
`in other embodiments, other materials may be
`inserted between these components in order to improve light
`transmission between the light source 118 and the first light
`pipe 106.
`The second light pipe 108 may include a third optical
`quality surface 124 proximate to and facing the second optical
`quality surface 122 (as best shown in FIG. 5). The third
`optical quality surface 124 may also be polished or otherwise
`prepared to efficiently receive light and minimize reflectance.
`In one embodiment, the third optical quality surface 124 may
`have a surface area greater than a surface area of the second
`optical quality surface 122. Thus, if the first light pipe 106
`moves relative to the second light pipe 108, the third optical
`quality surface 124 may be dimensioned to continually
`receive light emitted through the second optical quality sur-
`face 122 during such motion. In other embodiments, the third
`optical quality surface 124 may have any of a variety of
`geometrical shapes and may be larger or smaller than the
`second optical quality surface 122.
`As best shown in FIG. 5, the first light pipe 106 is separated
`from the second light pipe 108 by a distance D. In particular,
`the second optical quality surface 122 and the third optical
`quality surface 124 are separated by the distance D. In one
`embodiment, the distance D is less than 1 mm. In another
`embodiment, the distance D is between 0.25 and 0.75 m. If
`the distance D is too great, light transmission between the first
`and second light pipes 106, 108 may be adversely impacted,
`but, if the distance D is too small, the first light pipe 106 and
`the second light pipe 108 have less room to move relative to
`one another.
`
`6
`In one embodiment, the separation between the first light
`pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108 enables the first light
`pipe 106 to move relative to the second light pipe 108. In
`particular, in one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 may be
`configured to move within a range of motion substantially
`independently of the second light pipe 108. As discussed
`above, in one embodiment, a disk drive suspension 115 may
`be positioned between the disk drive 104 and the external case
`102, such that these components may move relative to one
`another within some range defined by the range of motion of
`the disk drive suspension 115. Thus, these small relative
`movements may be accommodated,
`in one embodiment,
`while maintaining a light path between the light source 118
`and the status lens 110.
`
`FIG. 6 illustrates a simulated light path 126 for light emit-
`ted by the light source 118 that travels through the first light
`pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108.As illustrated, the light
`path 126 for this light is defined through the first optical
`quality surface 120, the second optical quality surface 122
`and the third optical quality surface 124. In one embodiment,
`the light path 126 may be logically divided into a first light
`path 126a and a second light path 126!) defined through the
`first light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108, respectively.
`These light paths 12611, b may together form part of a com-
`plete light path 126 for light emitted by the light source 118 to
`the status lens 110.
`
`The first light path 12611 is defined by the first light pipe
`106. As illustrated, the first light path 126a may include one
`90 degree bend 12811. This 90 degree bend 128a may be
`defined by an external surface of the first light pipe 106, as
`illustrated, or may be defined by one or more internal features
`of the first light pipe 106. The second light path 126!) is
`defined by the second light pipe 108. As illustrated, the sec-
`ond light path 126!) may include three 90 degree bends 12819,
`c, d before the status lens 110. The three 90 degree bends
`12819, c, d may be defined by external surfaces of the second
`light pipe 108, as illustrated, or may be defined by one or more
`internal features of the second light pipe 108.
`Of course, in other embodiments, the light path 126 may
`include any number of turns/bends along its length between
`the light source 118 and the status lens 110. These turns/bends
`may also be divided between the first light pipe 106 and the
`second light pipe 108 in a variety of ways.
`FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate the first light pipe 106 from a vari-
`ety of angles. In one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 is
`configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to the
`disk drive 104. As illustrated, the first light pipe 106 may
`include at least one pair of outwardly facing prongs 130a
`configured to interface with a hole formed through the PCB
`116. In one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 includes two
`pairs of prongs 130a, 1301) to provide a secure snap fit cou-
`pling between the first light pipe 106 and the PCB 116.
`FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate the second light pipe 108 from a
`variety of angles. The second light pipe 108 may be shaped
`and configured in a variety of ways, and the external surfaces
`of the second light pipe 108 may be oriented to define the
`second light path 126!) from the third optical quality surface
`124 to the status lens 110.
`FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart for a method 900 of manu-
`
`facturing an external disk drive, according to one illustrated
`embodiment. This method 900 will be discussed in the con-
`text of the external disk drive 100 of FIGS. 1-8. However, the
`acts disclosed herein may be executed to produce a variety of
`different external disk drives,
`in accordance with the
`described method.
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`As described herein, at least some of the acts comprising
`the method 900 may be orchestrated by a processor according
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`US 8,064,194 B2
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`7
`to an automatic disk drive manufacturing algorithm, based at
`least in part on computer-readable instructions stored in com-
`puter-readable memory and executable by the processor. A
`manual implementation ofone or more acts ofthe method 900
`may also be employed, in other embodiments.
`At act 902, an external case 102 and a disk drive 104 are
`provided, the disk drive 104 including a light source 118
`configured to emit light indicative ofa disk drive status. In one
`embodiment, the external case 102 may be provided as a
`plurality of modular pieces that may be joined at a later stage
`to surround the disk drive 104. The disk drive 104, too, may be
`provided before it has been completely assembled.
`At act 904, a first light pipe 106 and a second light pipe 108
`are provided. As described above, the first light pipe 106 and
`the second light pipe 108 may comprise polycarbonate or
`acrylic pieces. In one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 and
`the second light pipe 108 may be produced from molds and
`then provided at an external disk drive assembly line.
`At act 906, the first light pipe 106 is coupled to the disk
`drive 104 such that the first light pipe 106 is positioned to
`directly receive and guide light emitted by the light source
`118. The first light pipe 106 may be coupled to the disk drive
`104 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, as illustrated, a
`snap fit coupling may be formed between the two compo-
`nents. In other embodiments, other coupling structures may
`be used.
`
`A robotic arm may be used to couple the first light pipe 106
`to the disk drive 104. For example, the first light pipe 106 may
`be coupled to a printed circuit board 116 using a robotic arm,
`and the PCB 116 may then be coupled to the rest of the disk
`drive 104.
`
`At act 908, the second light pipe 108 is coupled to the
`external case 102. The second light pipe 108 may be coupled
`to the external case 102 in a variety of ways. In one embodi-
`ment, an elongate feature of the second light pipe 108 defin-
`ing the status lens 110 may be inserted through a hole 114 in
`the external case 102, and these components may then be
`ultrasonically welded. In other embodiments, other coupling
`structures may be used. These coupling structures may con-
`nect the second light pipe 108 to the external case 102 at a
`number of different locations.
`
`At act 910, the disk drive 104 is positioned within the
`external case 102 such that the second light pipe 108 is sepa-
`rated from the first light pipe 106 and positioned to receive
`and guide light from the first light pipe 106 to a status lens
`110. The disk drive 104 and the external case 102 may be
`positioned relative to one another in a variety of ways. In one
`embodiment, the disk drive suspension 115 may first be
`coupled to the comers ofthe disk drive 104. The external case
`1 02 may then be positioned around and mechanically coupled
`to the disk drive suspension 115, such that the disk drive 104
`is positioned within the external case 102. In other embodi-
`ments, the external case 102 may remain fixed, while the disk
`drive 104 is placed into an interior of the external case 102.
`The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
`embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of
`block diagrams, schematics, and examples. Insofar as such
`block diagrams, schematics, and examples contain one or
`more functions and/or operations, each function and/or
`operation within such block diagrams,
`flowcharts, or
`examples can be implemented, individually and/or collec-
`tively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or
`virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the
`present subject matter may be implemented via Application
`Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). However, the embodi-
`ments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equiva-
`lently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or
`
`8
`more programs executed by one or more processors, as one or
`more programs executed by one or more controllers (e.g.,
`microcontrollers), as firmware, or as virtually any combina-
`tion thereof.
`
`I claim:
`
`1. An external disk drive comprising:
`an external case;
`a disk drive positioned within the external case, the disk
`drive including a light source configured to emit light
`indicative of a disk drive status;
`a first light pipe mechanically coupled to the disk drive and
`positioned and configured to directly receive and guide
`light emitted by the light source; and
`a second light pipe mechanically coupled to the external
`case and separated from the first light pipe, the second
`light pipe positioned and configured to receive and guide
`light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible
`outside the external case.
`2. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the disk drive
`includes a printed circuit board, and the first light pipe is
`mechanically coupled to the printed circuit board via a snap fit
`coupling proximate the light source.
`3. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the disk drive
`includes a printed circuit board, and the light source com-
`prises a light emitting diode on the printed circuit board.
`4. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the disk drive
`status represents disk drive activity.
`5. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the first light
`pipe includes a first optical quality surface proximate to and
`facing the light source, and a second optical quality surface
`proximate to and facing the second light pipe.
`6. The external disk drive of claim 5, wherein the second
`light pipe includes a third optical quality surface proximate to
`and facing the second optical quality surface.
`7. The external disk drive of claim 6, wherein a light path
`for light emitted by the light source is de