Bit Patterned Media Multi-Dot Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current data storage technologies using bit-patterned media face challenges in improving data storage density and reliability due to variations in the arrangement and stability of discrete magnetic islands, which affect the consistency and quality of data patterns.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multi-dot arrays with non-magnetic spaces between patterned arrays of magnetic dots, where the order of dot composites and gaps defines the value of one bit, enhances data storage density and reliability by using self-assembly materials to form geometric patterns and optimizing the number of rows of dots per bit period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If discrete magnetic islands are used for data storage, then data storage density can be improved, but variations in arrangement and stability occur which reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage densityVSAvoiddata pattern consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic storage structure is segmented into discrete magnetic islands arranged in organized patterns, replacing continuous magnetic coatings. This segmentation allows for higher storage density while maintaining stability through the defined geometric arrangement of individual magnetic dots in arrays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the storage medium have different properties: magnetic dots in data regions versus non-magnetic spaces in gap regions. This local differentiation creates distinct magnetic patterns that improve both density through efficient space utilization and reliability through consistent local characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If magnetic coating is used across the surface, then manufacturing is simpler, but data storage density is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddata storage density

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous magnetic coating is divided into discrete magnetic islands arranged in patterns. This segmentation enables higher storage density by placing magnetic material only where needed for data storage, rather than coating the entire surface, thus improving density while maintaining manufacturability through patterned formation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage approach transitions from a two-dimensional continuous coating to a patterned arrangement of discrete elements, utilizing spatial distribution in multiple dimensions. This dimensional reorganization allows significantly higher storage density by efficiently using available space through structured placement of magnetic dots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Quantity of substance

If variations in magnetic island arrangement occur, then storage density can be increased, but pattern quality and data reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage densityVSAvoidpattern quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic pattern consists of local regions with consistent properties (magnetic dots in data regions, non-magnetic spaces in gap regions). This local quality consistency ensures high manufacturing precision and pattern quality while maintaining high storage density through the efficient arrangement of these uniform local structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic pattern parameters (position, size, spacing of magnetic dots) are optimized to achieve the desired density while maintaining consistency. By carefully controlling these parameters during manufacturing, high pattern quality is achieved despite the increased complexity of storing more data in higher density configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves data storage density and pattern quality by ensuring consistent dot locations and reducing phase and amplitude variations, leading to more reliable data storage and efficient data encoding.

Implementation Method 1

using self-assembly materials to form geometric patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-assembly: Self-Assembly

Data Source

PatentUS8995073B1Data storage mediums and devices having bit patterned media

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

Apparatuses, devices, and systems are presented with servo and data pattern formation using multi-dot arrays. In one example, an apparatus may comprise a data storage medium including a first patterned array of dots of magnetic material, a second patterned array of dots of magnetic material, and a non-magnetic space located between the first patterned array and second patterned array. In another example, a system may comprise a processor configured to store data to a data storage medium, the data storage medium including a first dot composite including a first patterned array of dots of magnetic material, a second dot composite including a second patterned array of dots of magnetic material, and a non-magnetic space located between the first dot composite and second dot composite. An order in which a dot composite and a non-magnetic space occur may define the value of one bit.