Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording Head Humidity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic recording and reproducing devices with heat-assisted magnetic recording heads, humidity fluctuations cause lubricant hardening, leading to errors and malfunctions due to the formation of protrusions on the magnetic head, making it difficult to maintain constant humidity levels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a humidity sensor and a write procedure control circuit that adjusts the write procedure of the heat-assisted magnetic recording head based on humidity measurements to prevent lubricant hardening, by controlling the continuous write time and write duty, and potentially changing the magnetic head or performing a non-write operation before the lubricant hardens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat-assisted magnetic recording head is used to perform magnetic recording, then recording performance is improved, but heat generated by the head causes lubricant hardening and formation of protrusions on the magnetic head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the heat-assisted magnetic recording head by controlling write time and performing periodic non-write operations based on humidity sensor feedback. This parameter adjustment prevents excessive heat accumulation that causes lubricant hardening, while still maintaining effective recording performance during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a humidity sensor to monitor the internal environment. The sensor detects humidity levels and provides feedback to the control circuit, which then adjusts the write procedure accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents lubricant hardening by responding to actual environmental conditions while maintaining recording performance.
2Reliability
If humidity is kept constant at predetermined value to prevent lubricant hardening, then reliability is improved, but it is difficult to maintain constant humidity during actual use due to environmental fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a humidity sensor that continuously monitors the internal humidity level and provides feedback to the control circuit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect humidity changes caused by environmental fluctuations and respond by adjusting the write procedure, thereby maintaining reliability without requiring constant humidity control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static humidity control approach (maintaining constant predetermined humidity) to a dynamic approach where the write procedure is adjusted in real-time based on humidity sensor readings. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability under varying environmental conditions by flexibly modifying operational parameters.
3Reliability
If write procedure is controlled based on humidity sensor measurement to prevent lubricant hardening, then device performance is maintained, but additional components (humidity sensor and control circuit) increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the device monitors its own internal humidity environment and autonomously adjusts its write procedure to prevent lubricant hardening. The humidity sensor and control circuit enable the device to self-regulate without external intervention, maintaining performance while the added complexity is justified by the autonomous protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system using humidity sensor and control circuit, while adding components, provides intelligent adaptation that maintains device performance across varying humidity conditions. The feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically optimize its operation, making the additional complexity worthwhile by ensuring reliable performance without manual intervention or environmental control.
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 allows for effective heat-assisted magnetic recording while preventing lubricant hardening, reducing errors and maintaining device performance even under varying humidity conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a phenomenon in which heat generated by the head causes a lubricant provided on a protective layer of a magnetic recording medium to be hardened
Implementation Method 2
By irradiating the near-field optical element with laser light, near-field light is generated from the tip of the element, and recording can be performed while a recording layer having high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy is locally heated
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic recording and reproducing device includes a magnetic recording medium having a lubricant on a surface of the magnetic recording medium, a heat-assisted magnetic recording head configured to perform magnetic recording on the magnetic recording medium, a humidity sensor, and a write procedure control circuit configured to control a write procedure of the heat-assisted magnetic recording head in accordance with a measurement result of the humidity sensor.