Magnetic Head Heater Subassemblies for Thermal Protrusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current magnetic recording heads face challenges in maintaining optimal head-media spacing, which affects data writing and reading reliability and density, due to variations in thermal protrusion profiles caused by existing heating mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a magnetic recording head with a write heater assembly comprising multiple heater subassemblies strategically positioned around the write head, allowing for controlled thermal protrusion along specific axes, reducing variation in thermal protrusion stroke to less than 20 nm, thereby enhancing head-media interface stability and contact detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single heater assembly is used for thermal actuation, then the structure is simple, but the thermal protrusion profile varies significantly causing head-media spacing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The heater assembly is divided into multiple heater subassemblies (first heater subassembly, second heater subassembly, etc.) positioned at different locations. Each subassembly contributes to the overall thermal protrusion profile, allowing independent control of different regions of the head-media interface to achieve more uniform and stable thermal protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different heater subassemblies are positioned to create thermal protrusion at specific locations along the head-media interface. This allows localized thermal actuation where needed, creating a more uniform overall protrusion profile rather than a single concentrated thermal zone.
2Manufacturing precision
If heater subassemblies are positioned at multiple locations, then thermal protrusion uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heater assembly is segmented into multiple subassemblies that can be manufactured separately and then integrated. This modular approach allows each subassembly to be optimized and manufactured independently, then assembled into the complete head structure with precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater subassemblies are arranged in a distributed pattern across the head structure, utilizing spatial distribution along multiple dimensions. This dimensional arrangement allows thermal protrusion control in multiple directions and creates a more uniform three-dimensional thermal field at the head-media interface.
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 configuration improves the reliability and recording density of magnetic storage systems by maintaining precise head-media spacing and reducing wear, through controlled thermal actuation and protrusion profiles, leading to more consistent and durable data storage performance.
Implementation Method 1
At least a first heater subassembly and a second heater subassembly of a magnetic recording head are energized. The energizing of the first heater subassembly creates a first thermal protrusion... The energizing of the second heater subassembly creates a second protrusion
Implementation Method 2
The energizing of the first heater subassembly creates a first thermal protrusion at a first location of a head-media interface of the magnetic recording head. The energizing of the second heater subassembly creates a second protrusion at a second location of the head media interface
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic recording head includes a magnetic writer comprising a main write pole and a return write pole. The magnetic recording head includes a write heater assembly comprising at least one first heater subassembly and at least one second heater subassembly. At least part of the magnetic write head is disposed between the first heater subassembly and the second heater subassembly. When the first heater subassembly, the second heater subassembly, and the magnetic writer are energized, a variation in the thermal protrusion of the head media interface of the magnetic recording head may be less than about 20 nm along the down track and/or cross track directions.