HK1178237B - Mechanically decoupled status lens - Google Patents

Description

Mechanically decoupled status lens

Technical Field

Background

External and internal disk drives are typically associated with at least one disk drive status light, which is typically used to provide an indication of disk drive read/write activity. In some disk drives, an external electrical connector couples the disk drive to a separate disk drive status light included in the computer chassis or external disk drive housing. The disk drive may thus drive the status light during operation.

In other disk drives, the disk drive status light is integrally formed with the disk drive, and light emitted from the status light may be directed out of a housing that houses the disk drive (e.g., via one or more apertures in the housing). Unfortunately, when a disk drive status light is a component of the disk drive, the location of the status light may not be ideal for a user to view due to space and structural limitations of the disk drive. As a result, a relatively complex light guide may be formed between the disk drive status light and the lens visible to the user. Since the lens is typically coupled to the housing of the disk drive, stresses may be introduced into the physical components of the light guide system that couple the disk drive status lights to the lens as the disk drive moves relative to the housing.

There is therefore a need for an improved light guide system between a disk drive status light and a lens.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure includes an external disk drive having a housing; a disk drive positioned within the housing, 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 direct light emitted by the light source; and a second light pipe mechanically coupled to the enclosure and separate from the first light pipe, wherein the second light pipe is positioned and configured to receive light from the first light pipe and direct the light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible from an exterior of the enclosure. In one embodiment, such an external 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 to the light source, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED).

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a disk drive status light directing system for a disk drive, the system comprising a light source configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive status. This light guiding system comprises: a first light pipe configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to a disk drive and configured to directly receive and direct light emitted by a light source; and a second light pipe separate from the first light pipe, the second light pipe configured to receive light from the first light pipe and direct the light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible to a user. In an embodiment, the first and second light pipes may comprise polycarbonate.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of manufacturing an external disk drive. This method comprises the steps of: providing a housing and a disk drive, the disk drive including a light source configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive status; providing a first light pipe and a second light pipe; coupling a first light pipe to the disk drive to position the first light pipe to directly receive and direct light emitted by the light source; coupling a second light pipe to the enclosure; and positioning the disk drive within the enclosure such that the second light pipe is separate from the first light pipe and positioned to receive light from the first light pipe and direct the light from the first light pipe to the status lens.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a light directing system for an electronic storage device, wherein the electronic storage device includes a light source configured to emit light indicative of a storage device status. This light guiding system comprises: a first light pipe configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to an electronic storage device and configured to directly receive and direct light emitted by a light source; a second light pipe separate from the first light pipe, the second light pipe configured to receive light from the first light pipe and direct the light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible to a user.

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 the outer case removed to show the first light pipe and the second light pipe, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the external disk drive of FIG. 1A with the outer shell and the second light pipe removed, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a printed circuit board, a first light pipe, and a second light pipe of the external disk drive of FIG. 1A according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view illustrating a printed circuit board, a first light pipe, and a second light pipe of the external disk drive of FIG. 2 according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a first light pipe and a second light pipe of the external disk drive of FIG. 1A, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the first and second light pipes of FIG. 4, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of the 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 of the first light pipe and light source of FIG. 4, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the first light pipe and 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 of the 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.

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. 8E is a side view of the second light pipe of FIG. 4, according to one illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a method of manufacturing an external disk drive according to one illustrated embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1A, 1B and 1C, an external disk drive 100 according to one embodiment is illustrated. The external disk drive 100 includes a housing 102 and a disk drive 104 positioned within the housing 102, the disk drive 104 including a light source (see, e.g., 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 outer shell 102 removed to better illustrate the disk drive 104 and other components. The first light pipe 106 is mechanically coupled to the disk drive 104 and is positioned and configured to directly receive and direct light emitted by the light source. The second light pipe 108 (illustrated in FIG. 1B, but removed in FIG. 1C) is mechanically coupled to the exterior case 102 and separate from the first light pipe 106. The second light pipe 108 may be positioned and configured to receive light from the first light pipe 106 and direct light from the first light pipe 106 to a status lens 110 visible outside the enclosure 102.

The external disk drive 100 may include any of a variety of external storage devices configured to communicate with a personal computer. For example, the external disk drive 100 may include an external drive having a Universal Serial Bus (USB), FireWire (FireWire), or other serial interface; a networked disk drive providing file server functionality; a personal media device with an internal disk drive (e.g., an mp3 player) or a cellular telephone with 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 housing 102 may include any of a variety of shells configured to enclose and protect the disk drive 104. As illustrated, the housing 102 may be shaped similar to the disk drive 104 and closely surround the disk drive 104. However, in other embodiments, the housing 102 may have any shape and size and may include a number of other electronic components in addition to the disk drive 104. The housing 102 may also include one or more apertures 112 to accommodate interconnection with the disk drive 104 (e.g., to enable communication with and/or power to the disk drive 104). As illustrated in fig. 1A, the aperture 112 through the housing 102 may be aligned with a USB interface of the disk drive 104 and may be sized to receive a USB connector. The housing 102 may further include an aperture 114 configured and dimensioned to receive the status lens 110, thus providing a visual indication to a user of the status of the disk drive.

The housing 102 may comprise any of a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the housing 102 comprises a plurality of molded plastic sheets. The housing 102 may be modular such that the same molded plastic sheet is also used to form housings of many different shapes and sizes. In another embodiment, the housing 102 may comprise a metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum.

The disk drive 104 comprises a magnetic disk drive. However, the structures and methods described herein may also be applied to and/or implemented in other disk drives, including, for example, optical disk drives and magneto-optical disk drives. Indeed, in other embodiments, the disk drive 104 may be replaced with other electronic storage devices (e.g., solid state devices) positioned in the housing.

The disk drive 104 includes a light source (see, e.g., 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 number of different disk drive characteristics. In one embodiment, the disk drive state corresponds to disk drive activity. For example, the light source may be configured to emit light when the disk drive 104 is accessing data (i.e., reading data from or writing data to the disk). In other embodiments, the disk drive state may correspond to track seeking, external communication, 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, indicating different disk drive status measurements. For example, writing data to and reading data from a disc may be associated with different colors or light intensities.

The light source may include any of a variety of light sources and may be positioned at different locations on the disk drive 104. In one embodiment, the light source includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED), such as low aspect ratio (lowprofile) and low power surface mount LEDs. In another embodiment, a laser light source may be used. The light source may also be driven by a variety of different circuits in the disk drive 104 depending on the type of light source and the disk drive state associated with the light source. In one embodiment, the disk drive controller may control the light source based on disk drive activity.

In one embodiment, the external disk drive 100 further includes a light guiding system configured to receive light emitted by the light source, the light guiding system including 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 direct 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 the PCB of the disk drive 104 via a snap-fit coupling (snapfit coupling) near the light source. For example, the PCB may include one or more holes proximate to the light source, and the first light pipe 106 may include at least a pair of outwardly facing pins that may be inserted through the holes to secure 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, adhesive, screws, or other structure. In still other embodiments, the first light pipe 106 may be integrally formed with the disk drive 104.

The first light pipe 106 may be positioned to directly receive and direct light emitted by the light source. In one embodiment, the first optical quality (or optical performance) surface of the first light pipe 106 is proximate to and faces the light source, and light entering the first optical quality surface may be directed through the first light pipe 106 to the second optical quality surface where it may exit the first light pipe 106. The first light pipe 106 may receive and direct only a small percentage of the light emitted by the light source, although in some embodiments, a significant portion of the 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 polycarbonate. In another embodiment, the first light pipe 106 may comprise an acrylic material. In other embodiments, the first light pipe 106 may comprise glass, fiberglass, or other materials.

The second light pipe 108 may be mechanically coupled to the outer shell 102 and separate from the first light pipe 106. In one embodiment, the second light pipe 108 is also positioned and configured to receive light from the first light pipe 106 and to direct light from the first light pipe 106 to the status lens 10 visible outside the housing 102. The second light pipe 108 may be mechanically coupled to the outer shell 102 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the second light pipe 108 is ultrasonically welded to the housing 102. In another embodiment, the second light pipe 108 may be adhesively coupled to the outer shell 102. In yet another embodiment, a friction fit may be formed between the aperture 114 through the housing 102 and the elongated 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 outer shell 102 via a snap fit, friction fit, screws, or other structure. In still other embodiments, the second light pipe 108 may be integrally formed with the outer shell 102.

The second light pipe 108 may be positioned to receive light from the first light pipe 106 and to direct light from the first light pipe 106 to the status lens 110. In one embodiment, the 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. Light entering the second light pipe 108 through the third optical quality surface may be directed to a status lens 110 (the status lens 110 may comprise a separate component or may be integrated with the second light pipe 108). The second light pipe 108 can receive and direct only a small percentage of the light exiting the second optical quality surface, although in some embodiments, a significant portion of the light exiting the second optical quality surface enters the second light pipe 108. The status lens 110 includes only a surface configured to allow light to pass through so that the light can be viewed by a user. 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 include a surface of the 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 light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108 may be made of the same material, although in other embodiments, 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, fiberglass, or other materials.

Although described in the context of an external disk drive 100, the light-directing system described herein may also be used with other media storage devices (including, for example, internal electronic storage devices). In addition, although described as including only two light pipes, other light directing systems may include more than two light pipes, according to some embodiments.

As shown in fig. 1B and 1C, the external disk drive 100 may further include a floppy disk drive suspension 115. Floppy disk drive suspension 115 includes 4 corner pieces 115a-d and enables disk drive 104 to move within a limited range substantially independently of housing 102. The floppy disk drive suspension 115 may help isolate the two components of the external disk drive 100, thus helping to mitigate external shock to the disk drive 104 and to prevent vibration of the housing 102 based on internal vibrations caused by rotation of the disk or movement of the actuator.

Fig. 2 and 3 show perspective and top views, respectively, of the Printed Circuit Board (PCB)116, the first and second light pipes 106, 108, and the light source 118. As illustrated herein, the first light pipe 106 may be mechanically coupled proximate to the "front side" of the PCB116, substantially covering the light source 118. Of course, in different embodiments, the first light pipe 106 may be coupled to the PCB116 in any of a variety of locations, as may the light sources 118. The PCB116 may also house various other disk drive circuits, including a disk drive controller that controls read and write operations and a servo control system for generating servo control signals.

Fig. 4 and 5 show perspective and side-enlarged views of the first light pipe 106, the second light pipe 108, and the light source 118, respectively. As shown in fig. 4 and 5, the first light pipe 106 may include a first optical quality surface 120 proximate and facing the light source 118 and a second optical quality surface 122 proximate 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 minimize reflections. In one embodiment, the first optical quality surface 120 comprises a rectangular surface having a surface area greater than a surface area of the rectangular light source 118. In another embodiment, the first optical quality surface 120 may have any of a variety of geometries and may be larger or smaller than the light source 118. The second optical quality surface 122 may also comprise a rectangular surface, although the 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 1mm, thereby improving 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 interposed between these components 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 (best shown in fig. 5) proximate to and facing the second optical quality surface 122. The third optical quality surface 124 may also be polished or otherwise prepared to efficiently receive light and minimize reflections. In one embodiment, the third optical quality surface 124 may have a surface area that is greater than the surface area of the second optical quality surface 122. Thus, if the first light pipe 106 is moved relative to the second light pipe 108, the third optical quality surface 124 may be sized to continuously receive light emitted through the second optical quality surface 122 during such movement. In other embodiments, the third optical quality surface 124 may have any of a variety of geometric 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 and the second light pipe 108 are separated by a distance D. In particular, the second optical quality surface 122 and the third optical quality surface 124 are separated by a 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 mm. If the distance D is too large, the light transmission between the first light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108 may be adversely affected, 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 each other.

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. Specifically, in one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 may be configured to move substantially independently of the second light pipe 108 over a range of movement. As described above, in one embodiment, the disk-drive suspension 115 may be positioned between the disk drive 104 and the housing 102 such that the components may move relative to each other within a certain range defined by the range of movement of the disk-drive suspension 115. Thus, in one embodiment, these small relative movements may be accommodated while maintaining the optical path between the light source 118 and the status lens 110.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simulated light path 126 for light emitted by the light source 118 that passes through the first light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108. As illustrated, a 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 126b defined through the first light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108, respectively. These light paths 126a, 126b may together form part of a complete light path 126 for light emitted by the light source 118 to the status lens 110.

The first light path 126a is defined by the first light pipe 106. As illustrated, the first light path 126a may include one 90 degree bend 128 a. As illustrated, the 90 degree bend 128a may be defined by an outer surface of the first light pipe 106, or may be defined by one or more internal features of the first light pipe 106. The second light path 126b is defined by the second light pipe 108. As illustrated, the second light path 126b may include three 90 degree bends 128b, 128c, 128d located before the status lens 110. As illustrated, these 90 degree bends 128b, 128c, 128d may be defined by an outer surface of the second light pipe 108, or may be defined by one or more internal parts of the second light pipe 108.

Of course, in other embodiments, the optical path 126 may include any number of turns/bends along the length between the light source 118 and the status lens 110. These turns/curves may also be divided in various ways between the first light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108.

Fig. 7A-7D illustrate the first light pipe 106 from a variety 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 can include at least a pair of outwardly facing pins 130a configured to interface with holes formed through the PCB 116. In one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 includes two pairs of pins 130a, 130b to provide a secure snap-fit coupling between the first light pipe 106 and the PCB 116.

Fig. 8A through 8E illustrate the second light pipe 108 from a variety of angles. The second light pipe 108 can be shaped and configured in various ways, and the outer surface of the second light pipe 108 can be oriented to define a second light path 126b from the third optical quality surface 124 to the status lens 110.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart of a method 900 of manufacturing an external disk drive, according to one illustrated embodiment. The method 900 will be discussed in the context of the external disk drive 100 of fig. 1-8. However, in accordance with the described methods, the acts disclosed herein may be performed to produce a variety of different external disk drives.

As described herein, at least some acts comprising the method 900 may be performed by a processor according to an automated disk drive manufacturing algorithm, based at least in part on computer readable instructions stored in a computer readable memory and executable by the processor. In other embodiments, manual implementations of one or more acts of method 900 may also be employed.

In act 902, the housing 102 and the disk drive 104 are provided, the disk drive 104 including a light source 118, the light source 118 configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive status. In one embodiment, the housing 102 may be provided as a plurality of assemblies that may be joined at a later stage to enclose the disk drive 104. The disk drive 104 may also be provided before it has been fully assembled.

In 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 components. In one embodiment, the first light pipe 106 and the second light pipe 108 may be produced from a mold and provided on an external disk drive assembly line.

In 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 direct 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 components. In other embodiments, other coupling structures may be used.

A mechanical arm may be used to couple the first light pipe 106 to the disk drive 104. For example, a robotic arm may be used to couple the first light pipe 106 to the printed circuit board 116, and the PCB116 may then be coupled to the rest of the disk drive 104.

In act 908, the second light pipe 108 is coupled to the enclosure 102. The second light pipe 108 may be coupled to the outer shell 102 in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the elongated pieces of the second light pipe 108 defining the status lens 110 may be inserted through the aperture 114 in the housing 102 and then these components may be ultrasonically welded. In other embodiments, other coupling structures may be used. These coupling structures may connect the second light pipe 108 to the outer shell 102 at a number of different locations.

In act 910, the disk drive 104 is positioned within the enclosure 102 such that the second light pipe 108 is separated from the first light pipe 106 and positioned to receive light from the first light pipe 106 and direct light from the first light pipe 106 to the status lens 110. The disk drive 104 and the housing 102 may be positioned relative to each other in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the disk drive suspension 115 may first be coupled to a corner of the disk drive 104. The housing 102 may then be positioned around the disk-drive suspension 115 and mechanically coupled to the disk-drive suspension 115. In other embodiments, the enclosure 102 may remain stationary while the disk drive 104 is disposed inside the enclosure 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. Where such block diagrams, schematics, and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, each function and/or operation in such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the present subject matter may be implemented via an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). However, embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or 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 combination thereof.

Claims (28)

1. An external disk drive comprising:

a housing;

a disk drive positioned within the housing, 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 direct light emitted by the light source; and

a second light pipe mechanically coupled to the enclosure and separate from the first light pipe, the second light pipe positioned and configured to receive light from the first light pipe and direct the light from the first light pipe to a status lens visible from an exterior of the enclosure, wherein the first light pipe includes a first optical quality surface proximate and facing the light source and a second optical quality surface proximate and facing the second light pipe, the second light pipe includes a third optical quality surface proximate and facing the second optical quality surface, wherein the third optical quality surface has a third surface area that is greater than a second surface area of the second optical quality surface.

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 set forth in claim 1, wherein the disk drive includes a printed circuit board and the light source includes a light emitting diode on the printed circuit board.

4. The external disk drive of claim 1 wherein the disk drive status indicates disk drive activity.

5. The external disk drive of claim 4, wherein the optical path of light emitted by the light source is defined by a first optical quality surface, a second optical quality surface, and a third optical quality surface.

6. The external disk drive of claim 4, wherein the second optical quality surface and the third optical quality surface are separated by 0.25 to 0.75 mm.

7. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the first light pipe defines a first light path for light emitted by the light source, the first light path including a 90 degree bend, and the second light pipe defines a second light path for light from the first light pipe, the second light path including three 90 degree bends before the status lens.

8. The external disk drive of claim 7, wherein the first and second optical paths form part of a complete optical path for light emitted by the light source to the status lens.

9. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the first and second light pipes comprise polycarbonate.

10. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the second light pipe is integrally formed with the status lens.

11. The external disk drive of claim 1, wherein the first light pipe is configured to move independently of the second light pipe within a range of movement.

12. A disk drive status light-directing system for a disk drive, the disk drive including a light source configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive status, the light-directing system comprising:

a first light pipe configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to the disk drive and configured to directly receive and direct light emitted by the light source; and

a second light pipe separate from the first light pipe, the second light pipe configured to receive light from the first light pipe and direct light from the first light pipe to a user-viewable status lens, wherein the first light pipe includes a first optical quality surface configured and dimensioned to be proximate to and facing the light source and a second optical quality surface configured and dimensioned to be proximate to and facing the second light pipe, wherein the second light pipe includes a third optical quality surface configured and dimensioned to be proximate to and facing the second optical quality surface, the third optical quality surface having a third surface area that is greater than a second surface area of the second optical quality surface.

13. The light directing system of claim 12, wherein the first light pipe is configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to a printed circuit board of the disk drive via a snap-fit coupling proximate the light source.

14. The light directing system of claim 12, wherein the first light pipe defines a first light path for light emitted by the light source, the first light path comprising a 90 degree bend, and the second light pipe defines a second light path for light from the first light pipe, the second light path comprising three 90 degree bends before the status lens.

15. The light directing system of claim 12, wherein the first and second light pipes comprise polycarbonate.

16. The light directing system of claim 12, wherein the second light pipe is integrally formed with the status lens.

17. A method of manufacturing an external disk drive, the method comprising:

providing a housing and a disk drive, the disk drive including a light source configured to emit light indicative of a disk drive status;

providing a first light pipe and a second light pipe;

coupling the first light pipe to the disk drive such that the first light pipe is positioned to directly receive and direct light emitted by the light source;

coupling the second light pipe to the outer shell; and

positioning the disk drive within the enclosure such that the second light pipe and the first light pipe are separate and positioned to receive light and to direct light from the first light pipe to the status lens, wherein the first light pipe includes a first optical quality surface and a second optical quality surface, and wherein coupling the first light pipe to the disk drive includes coupling the first light pipe to the disk drive such that the first light pipe is proximate to and facing the light source, and positioning the disk drive within the enclosure includes positioning the disk drive such that the second optical quality surface is proximate to and facing the second light pipe, wherein the second light pipe includes a third optical quality surface, and wherein positioning the disk drive within the enclosure includes positioning the disk drive such that the third optical quality surface is proximate to and facing the second optical quality surface, wherein the third optical quality surface has a third surface area that is greater than the second surface area of the second optical quality surface.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the disk drive includes a printed circuit board, and coupling the first light pipe to the disk drive includes coupling the first light pipe to the printed circuit board via a snap-fit coupling proximate the light source.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the disk drive comprises a printed circuit board and the light source comprises a light emitting diode on the printed circuit board.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the disk drive status represents disk drive activity.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein positioning the disk drive within the housing comprises positioning the disk drive so that an optical path of light emitted by the light source is defined by the first optical quality surface, the second optical quality surface, and the third optical quality surface.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein positioning the disk drive within the housing comprises positioning the disk drive such that the second optical quality surface and the third optical quality surface are separated by 0.25 to 0.75 mm.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the first light pipe defines a first light path of light emitted by the light source, the first light path including a 90 degree bend, and the second light pipe defines a second light path of light from the first light pipe, the second light path including three 90 degree bends before the status lens.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein positioning the disk drive within the housing comprises positioning the disk drive such that the first and second light paths form part of a complete light path for light emitted by the light source to the status lens.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second light pipes comprise polycarbonate.

26. The method of claim 17, wherein the second light pipe is integrally formed with the status lens.

27. The method of claim 17, wherein positioning the disk drive within the enclosure comprises positioning the disk drive such that the first light pipe is configured to move independently of the second light pipe over a range of movement.

28. A light directing system for an electronic storage device, the electronic storage device including a light source configured to emit light indicative of a storage device status, the light directing system comprising:

a first light pipe configured and dimensioned to mechanically couple to the electronic storage device and configured to directly receive and direct light emitted by the light source; and

a second light pipe separate from the first light pipe, the second light pipe configured to receive light and direct light from the first light pipe to a user-viewable status lens, wherein the first light pipe includes a first optical quality surface proximate and facing the light source and a second optical quality surface proximate and facing the second light pipe, the second light pipe includes a third optical quality surface proximate and facing the second optical quality surface, wherein the third optical quality surface has a third surface area that is greater than a second surface area of the second optical quality surface.