Thin-Film Magnetic Head Protrusion Adjustment for Flying Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin-film magnetic heads face challenges in maintaining optimal flying height to prevent contact or collision with magnetic recording media, leading to degradation in writing and reading characteristics, especially at reduced flying heights.
Innovation Solution
A thin-film magnetic head design incorporating a protrusion adjustment portion that protrudes slightly more than the write or read head elements, with a heating portion positioned rear to the protrusion adjustment portion, allowing for controlled flying height adjustment and collision avoidance by positioning the protrusion adjustment portion to maximize proximity to the magnetic recording medium without contacting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flying height is reduced to improve writing and reading characteristics, then the writing and reading performance is improved, but the risk of contact or collision with the magnetic recording medium increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion adjustment portion is designed to protrude in advance before the head elements during normal operation, creating a safety margin. When contact or collision occurs, the protrusion adjustment portion absorbs the impact first, preventing direct contact between the head elements and the magnetic recording medium surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion adjustment portion acts as a cushioning element positioned ahead of the head elements. It provides preliminary protection by absorbing mechanical shocks and preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the sensitive head elements during potential contact events.
2Length of moving object
If the protrusion amount of the head element is increased to reduce flying height, then the proximity to magnetic recording medium is improved, but the risk of contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head structure is segmented into multiple components with different protrusion characteristics: the protrusion adjustment portion protrudes first, followed by the head elements. This segmentation allows the protrusion adjustment portion to serve as a sacrificial element that protects the more critical head elements from direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the head structure are given different local properties: the protrusion adjustment portion is designed with specific protrusion characteristics and material properties suitable for contact absorption, while the head elements are designed for optimal magnetic performance. This local differentiation allows each component to fulfill its specific function.
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 design enhances writing and reading characteristics while reducing the risk of contact or collision with the magnetic recording medium, improving the reliability of the magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus by maintaining a stable flying height and minimizing wear on the head elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one protrusion adjustment portion whose end reaches a slider end surface on the ABS side, which provides on an element-formed surface of the substrate... the protrusion adjustment portion protrudes to a magnetic recording medium direction by heat of the heating portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a thin-film magnetic head which surely improves the writing and reading characteristic with reducing the flying height and surely handles the contact or collision with the magnetic recording medium.A thin-film magnetic head is provided, which includes, an substrate with ABS; a read or write head element provided on an element-formed surface of the substrate; at least one protrusion adjustment portion whose end reaches a slider end surface on the ABS side, which provides on an element-formed surface of the substrate; at least one heating portion provided rear at least one protrusion adjustment portion viewed from the slider end surface on the ABS side.