Magnetic Head Sliders with Closed-Loop Magnetic Field for Versatility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic disk drive apparatuses require two types of magnetic head sliders with opposite magnetization directions to stabilize magnetization-free layers, limiting versatility due to the need for different magnetic bias directions.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic disk drive apparatus with a ramp mechanism and pair of permanent magnets generates a closed-loop magnetic field applied to magnetic head sliders in opposite directions along their track width, allowing the use of single-direction magnetization thin-film magnetic heads to revive magnetic domain conditions and characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single direction magnetic field is applied to both magnetic head sliders from the magnetic field application mechanism, then the magnetic field can be simplified, but two types of magnetic head sliders with opposite magnetization directions are required, deteriorating versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field application mechanismVSAvoidmagnetic head slider compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic fields in opposite directions to magnetic head sliders facing opposite surfaces of the magnetic disk. By inverting the magnetic field direction for sliders on opposite sides, the system can use a single type of magnetic head slider with unified magnetization direction, eliminating the need for two different types and thereby improving versatility while maintaining magnetic field application effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If two types of magnetic head sliders with opposite magnetization directions are used, then magnetic domain stability is improved, but the versatility of magnetic head is deteriorated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetization-free layer stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic head versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by considering the orientation-specific requirements of magnetic head sliders. Sliders facing opposite surfaces of the magnetic disk are subjected to magnetic fields in opposite directions, allowing each slider to be optimized for its specific orientation while using the same fundamental head design, thus maintaining stability while improving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables the use of single-kind magnetic head sliders with the same magnetization direction for both front and back surfaces, enhancing magnetic head stability and reducing magnetic field leakage onto the disk, thus improving magnetic domain state and characteristics without harming the disk.

Implementation Method 1

The pair of permanent magnets generates a closed loop magnetic field applied to the pair of magnetic head sliders rested in the respective head resting portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

re-magnetizing the magnetic head during unloaded states... set up the magnetic domain state of the magnetization-free layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetization: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of magnetic head sliders each having a thin-film magnetic head with a magnetoresistive effect (MR) read head element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoresistive effect: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS7564653B2Magnetic disk drive apparatus with magnetic head sliders in a magnetic loop while in an unloaded state

Publication Date: 2009.07.21 TDK CORP

AI summary

A magnetic disk drive apparatus includes a magnetic disk, a ramp mechanism, a pair of magnetic head sliders each having an MR read head element, and a load/unload mechanism for retracting the pair of magnetic head sliders to the ramp mechanism under unloading states and for putting the pair of magnetic head sliders back to face front and back surfaces of the magnetic disk respectively under loading states. The ramp mechanism has head resting portions and a pair of permanent magnets. The pair of magnetic head sliders respectively resting in the head resting portions in a manner to face to each other during unloaded states. The pair of permanent magnets generates a closed loop magnetic field applied to the pair of magnetic head sliders rested in the respective head resting portions. The magnetic fields applied to the respective magnetic head sliders are in opposite directions along the track width of the magnetic head sliders.