Magnetic Disk Slider Contact Detection via Resistance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic disk devices face challenges in detecting contact between the slider and the magnetic disk, which can lead to contamination, damage, and data loss due to the difficulty in sensing vibrations and thermal fluctuations near the read and write elements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic disk device with a plurality of resistive elements connected in series or parallel through switches, allowing the processor to detect changes in resistance values, enabling early detection of contact between the slider and the magnetic disk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the thermal resistive element is mounted in the vicinity of the read element and write element to maintain stable floating fluctuation, then the thermal fluctuation near the elements is reduced, but the ability to detect contact between the slider and magnetic disk deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the detection function into two separate components: the thermal resistive element maintains its position near the read/write elements for stability, while a separate vibration detection element (accelerometer or vibration sensor) is added to detect contact vibrations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary vibration detection element that acts as a mediator between the slider structure and the control system. This intermediary sensor detects vibrations caused by contact between the slider and magnetic disk, providing indirect detection capability without requiring the thermal resistive element to be repositioned.
2Reliability
If the thermal resistive element is positioned far from the leading side to avoid damage risk, then the element protection is improved, but the contact detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A vibration detection element is introduced as an intermediary sensor that can detect contact vibrations occurring at the leading side of the slider without requiring the thermal resistive element to be positioned there. This intermediary sensor provides the necessary detection capability while the thermal resistive element remains in its protected position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the thermal-based detection method with a mechanical vibration detection method. Instead of relying on thermal resistive element position changes for contact detection, a vibration sensor (accelerometer) detects mechanical vibrations caused by contact, enabling detection without repositioning the thermal element.
3Temperature
If the slider is designed with stable floating characteristics near the read and write elements, then the thermal fluctuation is minimized, but the overall vibration detection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the functional responsibilities by keeping the thermal resistive element in its stable position for temperature control while adding a separate vibration detection element dedicated to detecting contact vibrations. This segmentation allows thermal stability and vibration detection to coexist without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from thermal resistance changes to vibration acceleration or vibration frequency. By measuring vibration parameters instead of thermal parameters, the system can detect contact without requiring changes in the thermal resistive element's position or the slider's floating characteristics.
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 solution allows for timely detection of contact, reducing the risk of damage and data loss by monitoring resistance changes, facilitating safe operations and diagnostics, and enabling proactive maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a slider of a magnetic disk device is provided with a thermal resistive element for making a head surface thereof protrude toward a magnetic disk side
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic disk device includes a plurality of magnetic disks, a plurality of sliders each including one or more resistive elements, each of which is arranged to face a recording surface of one of the plurality of magnetic disks, and is provided corresponding to the plurality of magnetic disks, and a processor configured to detect a change in a resistance value of one or more of the plurality resistive elements.