Heating Unit Head Support Mechanism for Crown Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head support mechanisms for magnetic head sliders in hard disk drives experience crown deformation at low temperatures due to thermal expansion coefficient differences between the slider and suspension, leading to increased spacing between the magnetic head and disk, which decreases write and read characteristics, and existing solutions complicate the structure and increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A head support mechanism with a heating unit integrated on the slider mounting section of the suspension, which generates heat to counteract crown deformation caused by thermal expansion coefficient differences, maintaining a consistent spacing between the magnetic head and disk through a simple and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a resin adhesive is used to adhere the magnetic head slider to the suspension, then the magnetic head slider can be fixed to the suspension, but crown deformation occurs under low temperature environment due to thermal expansion coefficient difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating unit that changes the temperature parameter of the suspension to match the thermal expansion characteristics of the magnetic head slider. By actively controlling the temperature of the suspension, the thermal expansion coefficients are equalized, preventing crown deformation while maintaining adhesion strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating unit acts as an intermediary between the suspension and the magnetic head slider, mediating the thermal expansion difference. By introducing this intermediate heating mechanism, the patent resolves the conflict between adhesion strength and crown deformation stability.
2Strength
If the thermal expansion coefficient of the suspension is larger than that of the magnetic head slider, then the suspension can be manufactured with desired mechanical properties, but compression force is applied to the slider under low temperature causing crown deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit changes the temperature parameter of the suspension, which directly affects its thermal expansion coefficient. By adjusting the temperature, the suspension's thermal expansion characteristics are modified to match the slider, eliminating the compression force that causes crown deformation while preserving the suspension's mechanical properties.
3Device complexity
If crown deformation occurs, then the structure of the head suspension assembly is maintained, but the spacing between the magnetic head element and the magnetic disk surface increases, decreasing write and read characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the temperature parameter of the suspension through the heating unit, the patent maintains the structural simplicity of the head suspension assembly while achieving precise control over the spacing between the magnetic head element and the disk surface, preventing degradation of write and read characteristics.
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
Prevents crown deformation effectively under low temperature conditions, maintaining optimal write and read characteristics without complicating the structure or increasing manufacturing costs, as demonstrated by simulations showing significant reduction in crown deformation with heater unit activation.
Implementation Method 1
a crown amount of the magnetic head slider changes depending upon change in its temperature environment due to the thermal expansion coefficient difference
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit formed on the slider mounting section of the suspension and capable of producing heat
Data Source
AI summary
A head support mechanism includes a suspension for supporting a magnetic head slider with a thin-film magnetic head, having a slider mounting section on which the magnetic head slider is fixed, and a heating unit formed on the slider mounting section of the suspension. The heating unit is capable of producing heat.