HAMR Slider Contamination Detection via Thermal Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic recording heads in data storage systems face challenges in detecting and mitigating contamination, particularly in heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) devices, where contamination can lead to costly delays and repairs due to elevated head and media temperatures and the sensitivity of the head-disc interface.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a slider with a heat generating component and a temperature sensor that measures temperature responses at a media-facing surface, energized at a predetermined frequency to detect contamination and initiate remedial actions, such as cleaning, based on measured temperature changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If heat-assisted magnetic recording is used to increase storage capacity, then recording density is improved, but head contamination occurs more frequently due to elevated temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidhead contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of head contamination by measuring temperature responses at the head-media interface before contamination significantly impacts recording performance. This early detection allows for preventive cleaning actions, reducing the harmful effects of contamination that arises from HAMR operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the head-media interface temperature and provides feedback about contamination conditions. Based on this feedback, the system automatically initiates cleaning operations when contamination is detected, creating a closed-loop control system that manages the contamination issue caused by elevated HAMR temperatures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If traditional contamination detection methods are used, then detection simplicity is maintained, but detection accuracy is insufficient for early contamination identification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection method simplicityVSAvoidcontamination detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional mechanical or visual contamination detection methods with a thermal field-based detection approach. By measuring temperature responses at the head-media interface, the system achieves higher detection accuracy without requiring complex mechanical inspection mechanisms, thus maintaining relative simplicity while improving precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no contamination monitoring is implemented, then system complexity is reduced, but costly delays and repairs occur due to undetected contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoiddelays and repairs

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-monitoring and self-cleaning capabilities at the head-media interface. The contamination detection and cleaning initiation functions are integrated into the recording system itself, allowing it to automatically service its own contamination issues without external intervention, thereby preventing costly delays and repairs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary contamination detection and initiates cleaning operations before contamination causes significant performance degradation or requires manual intervention. This proactive approach prevents the loss of time associated with delays and repairs by addressing contamination issues early in their development

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 in-situ monitoring and mitigation of contamination, preventing costly delays and repairs by accurately detecting changes in head-media interface conditions and taking appropriate corrective actions.

Implementation Method 1

A heat generating component of a slider is energized at a predetermined frequency. The heat generating component changes spacing between a medium and the slider.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

A temperature response proximate a media-facing surface of the slider is measured while the heating element is energized.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal detection: Temperature Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9799358B2Detection and remediation of head contamination

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

A heat generating component of a slider is energized at a predetermined frequency. The heat generating component changes a spacing between a medium and the slider. A temperature response proximate a media-facing surface of the slider is measured while the heating element is energized. Based on the measured temperature response, a determination is made as to whether the media-facing surface is contaminated. In response to determining that the media-facing surface is contaminated, remedial action is taken.