Magnetic Tape Abrasive Control for Head Chipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic tapes with a total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and magnetic layer equal to or smaller than 0.60 μm experience deterioration in electromagnetic conversion characteristics during repeated running, especially in low temperature and high humidity environments, due to spacing loss caused by head attached materials and partial chipping of the head.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic tape comprising a non-magnetic support, a non-magnetic layer with non-magnetic powder and a binding agent, and a magnetic layer with ferromagnetic powder and an abrasive, where the abrasive is present in a fine state with a specific percentage area on the surface and a controlled logarithmic decrement to prevent spacing loss and maintain electromagnetic conversion characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If abrasion properties of the surface of the magnetic layer are increased to remove head attached materials, then spacing loss caused by head attached materials is reduced, but partial chipping of the head occurs more easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the particle size distribution of the abrasive within specific ranges (D10: 0.3-0.7 μm, D50: 0.8-1.2 μm, D90: 1.3-1.7 μm) and the content ratio between abrasive and ferromagnetic powder (0.01-5 mass%). This optimization balances the abrasion properties needed to remove head attached materials while preventing excessive hardness that would cause head chipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic layer is designed as a composite material containing ferromagnetic powder, abrasive, and binding agent in specific proportions. This composite structure combines the magnetic recording functionality with controlled abrasion properties, achieving both data storage capability and head cleaning function without compromising head integrity.
2Productivity
If the total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and magnetic layer is decreased to increase recording capacity, then the total length of magnetic tape accommodated is increased, but electromagnetic conversion characteristics deteriorate during repeated running in low temperature and high humidity environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameters of the magnetic layer (0.05-0.50 μm) and non-magnetic layer (0.05-0.55 μm) within specific ranges. This parameter optimization allows achieving high recording capacity with thin layers while maintaining sufficient electromagnetic conversion characteristics even in challenging environmental conditions during repeated running.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a magnetic layer with non-uniform abrasive distribution and specific particle size gradients. This local optimization ensures that the surface properties provide adequate abrasion for head cleaning while the bulk properties maintain electromagnetic performance, resolving the contradiction between thin layer design and reliable signal conversion.
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
The magnetic tape effectively prevents deterioration of electromagnetic conversion characteristics during repeated running in low temperature and high humidity environments by reducing spacing loss and head chipping, maintaining reliable data storage performance.
Implementation Method 1
an abrasive has been included in the magnetic layer, in order to impart a function of removing the head attached materials to the surface of the magnetic layer
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic tape includes a non-magnetic support; a non-magnetic layer including non-magnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic support; and a magnetic layer including ferromagnetic powder and a binding agent on the non-magnetic layer. The total thickness of the non-magnetic layer and the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.60 μm. The magnetic layer includes an abrasive, and the percentage of a plan view maximum area of the abrasive confirmed in a region having a size of 4.3 μm×6.3 μm of the surface of the magnetic layer with respect to the total area of the region, obtained by plane observation performed by using a scanning electron microscope, is greater than or equal to 0.02% and less than 0.06%. Also, the logarithmic decrement acquired by a pendulum viscoelasticity test performed regarding the surface of the magnetic layer is less than or equal to 0.050.