Dual Device Set Magnetic Head Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
As recording densities increase, variations in head manufacturing, tape to head azimuth, and media width make it difficult to properly position write and read devices on magnetic tape, leading to position errors and potential crosstalk between magnetic elements, complicating the manufacturing process and impacting drive performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual device set configuration with a lateral positioning actuator and an azimuth actuator to independently position magnetic elements on a single recording head, allowing for continuous alignment and rotation to compensate for lateral misalignments and media width variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the spacing between magnetic elements is reduced to minimize device set span, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases and crosstalk between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the write and read device sets into two separate sets (first device set and second device set), each with its own plurality of magnetic elements. This segmentation allows each set to be independently positioned using the lateral positioning actuator and azimuth actuator, achieving accurate positioning without requiring reduced spacing between elements within each set, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing complexity and crosstalk.
2Manufacturing precision
If the spacing between magnetic elements is reduced to minimize device set span, then positioning accuracy is improved, but crosstalk between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device sets into two separate groups, each operating independently with adequate spacing between elements, the patent eliminates crosstalk while maintaining positioning accuracy through the dual actuator system (lateral positioning actuator and azimuth actuator) that precisely positions each segmented set.
3Device complexity
If a single device set is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to inability to compensate for variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic actuation capabilities with a lateral positioning actuator and an azimuth actuator that can independently adjust the position and orientation of each device set. This dynamic adjustment allows real-time compensation for variations in head manufacturing, tape to head azimuth, and media width, achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring an overly complex static structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the device set span is reduced by moving elements closer together, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the likelihood of crosstalk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic elements into two distinct device sets with sufficient spacing between elements within each set to prevent crosstalk. The lateral positioning actuator and azimuth actuator provide precise control over each segmented set's position, achieving accurate positioning without the need to move elements closer together, thereby avoiding crosstalk interference.
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 method effectively reduces device set span on the media while minimizing crosstalk and improving positioning accuracy, enhancing write and read performance by compensating for variations in the tape drive system.
Implementation Method 1
The lateral positioning actuator positions both device sets laterally on the media
Implementation Method 2
the azimuth actuator rotates the magnetic head about an azimuthal angle
Implementation Method 3
A magnetic head having a first device set and a second device set... for recording and/or reading data to and/or from a magnetic tape
Data Source
AI summary
A device for recording and/or reading data to and/or from a magnetic tape includes a read/write head which has a first device set including a first plurality of magnetic data write and/or read elements and a second device set including a second plurality of magnetic data write and/or read elements. The device also includes a lateral positioning actuator and an azimuth actuator. The lateral positioning actuator and azimuth actuator are used together to position both device sets on the magnetic tape. The lateral positioning actuator laterally positions the read/write head such that during write and/or read operations the first and second pluralities of magnetic data write and/or read elements align laterally to first and second pluralities of recordable and/or readable data tracks on the magnetic tape. The azimuth actuator rotates the read/write head about an azimuthal angle. such that the elements align to lateral spacings.