Magnetic Recording Head Side-Shield Routing to Reduce Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic recording heads face challenges in achieving high recording density due to high resistance in current paths through side shields, which can lead to thickness control issues and connection difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic recording head design with a current path that traverses through side shields around the main pole, connecting one side shield to the trailing shield and the other side shield to the leading shield, utilizing a hot seed layer and nonmagnetic conductive layer to reduce resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct lead connections are used to side shields, then manufacturing is simpler, but resistance is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces side shields as intermediary elements between the leading and trailing shields. These side shields are electrically connected to both shields and provide alternative current paths that reduce overall resistance. The side shields act as mediators that facilitate lower-resistance current flow without requiring complex direct connections between the main shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The current path is segmented into multiple routes through the introduction of side shields. Instead of a single direct path between leading and trailing shields, the current can flow through multiple segments: leading shield → side shield → trailing shield, and vice versa. This segmentation provides parallel current paths that reduce equivalent resistance.
2Reliability
If side shield thickness is increased to reduce resistance, then recording density improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses resistance not by increasing thickness in one dimension, but by adding spatial dimension through the side shields. The side shields extend laterally from the main shield structure, creating additional current paths in a different spatial dimension. This allows resistance reduction without requiring excessive thickness increases that would demand higher manufacturing precision.
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 reduces resistance by half compared to direct lead connections, enabling a higher magnetic field for improved recording density without requiring adjustments to side shield thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The side shields are electrically connected through a hot seed layer and/or a nonmagnetic electrically conductive layer that is electrically disconnected from the main pole. Such an arrangement results in a current path from the trailing shield, through the side shields, around the main pole, and to the leading shield, which results in reduced resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to a magnetic recording head for magnetic media, such as a magnetic media drive. The head has a main pole, trailing shield, leading shield, first side shield, and second side shield. One side shield is electrically connected to the trailing shield and electrically disconnected from the leading shield. The other side shield is electrically connected to the leading shield and electrically disconnected from the trailing shield. The side shields are electrically connected through a hot seed layer and/or a nonmagnetic electrically conductive layer that is electrically disconnected from the main pole. Such an arrangement results in a current path from the trailing shield, through the side shields, around the main pole, and to the leading shield, which results in reduced resistance.