Filled-Gap Magnetic Recording Head Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic tape recording heads face issues such as gap recession, increased spacing loss of readback signals, accumulation of conductive debris leading to electrical shorting, and corrosion of sensitive sensors due to direct exposure to the tape.

Innovation Solution

A filled-gap magnetic recording head design featuring a recessed gap region with an electrical insulation layer deposited on the tape support surface and recess profile, where the gap is intentionally recessed and then filled with an insulation layer to protect the transducers from debris and corrosion, and optionally lapped to match the original surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the gap region is recessed to prevent wear and debris accumulation, then the reliability of transducers is improved, but the spacing between the head and tape increases causing signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransducer reliabilityVSAvoidhead-tape spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

An electrical insulation material is introduced as an intermediary substance filling the recessed gap region. This material serves dual purposes: it provides electrical insulation to prevent shorting of magnetoresistive transducers while maintaining a compact head-tape spacing for effective signal transfer. The insulation material acts as a mediator that resolves the contradiction between reliability improvement through recession and spacing minimization for signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the gap region is recessed to protect sensors from corrosion, then the durability of sensors is improved, but the spacing loss of readback signals increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor durabilityVSAvoidreadback signal strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical insulation material serves as a protective intermediary layer that shields magnetoresistive and tunnel junction sensors from direct exposure to corrosive tape materials. By filling the recessed gap region, this intermediary layer prevents corrosion while maintaining minimal head-tape spacing, thereby preserving sensor durability without sacrificing readback signal strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin film of electrical insulation material is deposited to fill the recessed gap region. This thin film provides corrosion protection for the sensors while being thin enough to maintain effective coupling between the head and tape, thus protecting sensor durability without causing significant spacing loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the gap region is recessed to prevent electrical shorting, then the reliability of the recording head is improved, but the intimate contact with tape is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording head reliabilityVSAvoidcontact strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical insulation material acts as an intermediary that fills the recessed gap region, providing electrical insulation to prevent shorting of transducers while maintaining intimate contact between the head and tape. The material's properties allow it to bridge the gap effectively, ensuring both electrical isolation and mechanical contact for reliable recording head operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution effectively reduces the impact of conductive debris accumulation, protects magnetoresistive and tunnel junction sensors from electrical shorts, and maintains effective signal transfer by maintaining intimate contact with the tape while preventing excessive spacing and wear.

Implementation Method 1

An insulation layer is formed on the tape support surface and on the recess profile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Vapour Deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

The insulation layer eliminates MR transducer resistance reduction and resistance fluctuations caused by accumulations of conductive materials from the magnetic recording tape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS9135931B2Filled-gap magnetic recording head and method of making

Publication Date: 2015.09.15 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A filled-gap magnetic recording head is provided comprising a flat or cylindrical contour head having a row of magnetic transducers in a gap region disposed between a rowbar substrate and a closure. The gap region is intentionally recessed to have a predetermined recess profile below a tape support surface. An electrical insulation layer is deposited on the tape support surface and on the recess profile of the gap region. The insulation layer prevents electrical shorting between the magnetic transducers and other conductive elements in the gap due to accumulations of conductive debris from the magnetic recording tape. A method of making the filled-gap magnetic recording head by intentionally recessing the gap region, cleaning the recessed profile and depositing an insulator layer is provided.