Multi-Element Heating Circuit for Head Protrusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data storage devices face challenges in precisely controlling the protrusion shape and reliability of read/write heads due to uneven current distribution and heat generation in single-layer heating circuits, affecting the efficiency and accuracy of data reading and writing processes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple resistive heating elements in a single-layer heating circuit, where current is divided between upper and lower resistive elements connected in parallel, allowing for adjustable current density distribution and heat generation to shape the protrusion profile, thereby enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer heating circuit with multiple resistive elements is used, then reliability is improved through current distribution, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The heating circuit is segmented into multiple resistive elements (first resistive element and second resistive element) arranged in parallel within a single layer. This segmentation distributes the current load across multiple paths, improving reliability by reducing the impact of any single element failure while maintaining a relatively simple single-layer structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple resistive elements are used in parallel, then current density distribution is improved for sharper protrusions, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive elements are designed with different geometries (different widths, lengths, or positions) to create local variations in current density distribution. This allows specific regions of the air bearing surface to have tailored heating characteristics, enabling precise control over protrusion shape and sharpness in different areas of the read/write head.
3Temperature
If resistive elements are positioned near the writer portion, then heat generation for protrusion control is improved, but temperature control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating circuit incorporates dynamic control capabilities through independent addressing of different resistive elements or groups of elements. This allows the system to dynamically adjust current distribution to different resistive elements based on real-time temperature feedback and operational requirements, enabling precise temperature control despite the proximity to the writer portion.
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 solution enables precise control over protrusion shapes, improving the reliability and efficiency of data storage operations by allowing for tunable protrusion profiles and reduced maximum current density, resulting in sharper or broader protrusions as needed, depending on the configuration of resistive elements and lead legs.
Implementation Method 1
a single-layer heating circuit including at least two heating element resistors
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a head includes a writer portion having coils positioned near a writer, a reader portion separate from the writer portion and a single-layer heating circuit positioned near the writer portion. The heating circuit includes at least two resistive elements.In certain embodiments, a slider includes a single layer heating circuit including at least two heating element resistors.