Embedded Disconnected Circuits for Magnetic Storage Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data storage devices face challenges in achieving high storage density and reliability due to the need for the write head to fly close to the disk surface, which can result in head or disk damage and read/write errors, and solid-state devices have space constraints from addressing lines.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of embedded disconnected circuits (EDC) within the data storage media, which are energized by electromagnetic fields to assist in writing and reading data, allowing for increased storage capacity and reduced requirements on the write transducer's proximity to the media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the write head flies closer to the disk surface to increase flux generation, then the magnetic field strength for writing is improved, but the risk of head or disk damage increases due to contact with particles or surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromagnetic field mechanism that couples the write head to the storage media through embedded disconnected circuits. This intermediary system allows magnetic field generation without direct mechanical contact between the write head and media surface, thereby maintaining strong magnetic fields while eliminating contact-related damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical fly-height control system with an electromagnetic field-based writing mechanism. Instead of relying on precise mechanical positioning of the write head at nanometer-scale distances from the media surface, the system uses electromagnetic fields transmitted through embedded circuits in the media, substituting mechanical proximity requirements with electromagnetic coupling.
2Quantity of substance
If the areal density is increased by decreasing write track size, then the storage capacity is improved, but the flux generated by the write transducer decreases requiring closer fly height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface storage to three-dimensional storage by embedding disconnected circuits within the bulk of the storage media. This dimensional change allows multiple storage layers at different depths, increasing storage capacity without requiring smaller track sizes on the surface, thereby maintaining adequate flux generation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded disconnected circuits act as intermediaries that receive electromagnetic energy from the write head and convert it to localized magnetic fields at the storage locations. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the effective flux at the storage points without requiring increased flux from the write transducer itself, enabling high areal density without compromising writing capability.
3Reliability
If SSDs use arrays of storage cells with addressing lines, then the data access reliability is improved, but the space available for data storage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage media into multiple independent layers with embedded disconnected circuits at different depths. Each layer can be independently accessed and activated, providing reliable data access without requiring extensive addressing lines across the entire media array. The segmentation into discrete addressable layers reduces the overhead of addressing infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to storage cell organization, creating stacked layers of storage cells rather than relying solely on planar arrays. This three-dimensional arrangement increases the volume available for data storage without proportionally increasing the area required for addressing lines, as the addressing infrastructure can be shared across multiple vertical layers.
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
EDC enable improved data storage capacity, durability, and data access speed by providing an assistive mechanism within the media, allowing the head to fly further from the surface and enabling remote reading, thus reducing the risk of damage and increasing storage density.
Implementation Method 1
One or more components of an EDC are energized by an electromagnetic field (of which there are many varieties, including, by way of example and not limitation, optical and radio waves) received by an antenna of the EDC.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are magnetic storage media with embedded disconnected circuits, and magnetic storage systems comprising such media. A magnetic storage media comprises a recording layer comprising a storage location, and an embedded disconnected circuit (EDC) configured to assist in at least one of writing to or reading from the storage location in response to a wireless activation signal. A magnetic storage system comprises a signal generator configured to generate a wireless activation signal, a magnetic storage media with a plurality of storage locations, and a write transducer and/or a read receiver. The magnetic storage media has at least one EDC configured to assist in writing to and/or reading from at least one of the plurality of storage locations in response to the wireless activation signal.