Proximity Sensing System for Head Position Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Current data storage systems face challenges in maintaining optimal head proximity to magnetic media, leading to inefficiencies in data storage capacity, signal-to-noise ratio, and potential head damage due to mechanical contact and thermal asperity events.

Innovation Solution

A proximity sensing system that uses thermal sensors and signal processing to detect the head's position relative to the media, adjust the fly height, and prevent contact, incorporating band pass filters, programmable gain devices, and integrated energy detectors to enhance signal reliability and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the head is positioned closer to the magnetic media to increase data storage capacity, then the data storage capacity is improved, but the risk of mechanical contact and head damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capacityVSAvoidhead reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensing system performs preliminary detection of head-media spacing before data storage operations. The sensor detects the spacing between the head and magnetic media, and the controller adjusts the head position to an optimal spacing before writing or reading data, preventing mechanical contact while maximizing storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors head-media spacing using the proximity sensor and provides real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the actuator to maintain optimal spacing during operation, dynamically preventing contact while preserving high data storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the head is positioned closer to the magnetic media to improve signal-to-noise ratio, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but thermal asperity events and head damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidthermal asperity events

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The proximity sensing system performs preliminary detection of head-media spacing before data storage operations. The sensor detects the spacing between the head and magnetic media, and the controller adjusts the head position to an optimal spacing before writing or reading data, preventing mechanical contact while maximizing storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors head-media spacing using the proximity sensor and provides real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the actuator to maintain optimal spacing during operation, dynamically preventing contact while preserving high data storage capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If signal processing components are added to enhance signal reliability and noise reduction, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proximity sensor as an intermediary component between the head and magnetic media to detect spacing. Additionally, signal processing components including a band-pass filter, programmable gain device, and integrated energy detector are employed as intermediaries to process the sensor signal, extracting proximity information while filtering noise and enhancing signal reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system achieves improved data storage capacity, increased signal-to-noise ratio, reduced bit error rate, and enhanced head reliability by maintaining a low fly height while preventing mechanical contact, thus optimizing data storage performance and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

A sensor output signal is provided that is indicative of a proximity of the head to the media

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

incorporating band pass filters, programmable gain devices, and integrated energy detectors to enhance signal reliability and noise reduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS8508876B2Proximity sensing system

Publication Date: 2013.08.13 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A data storage system for detecting a location of a head relative to a magnetic media is described. This system comprises arms, a preamplifier circuit coupled to the arms for controlling the arms, a proximity sensing system positioned within the preamplifier circuit, the proximity sensing system comprising: an input stage for transmitting an input sense signal; a programmable gain stage coupled to receive the input sense signal and operative for transmitting a gain signal in response to receiving the input sense signal; a multiplexer coupled to receive the gain signal and at least one control signal, the multiplexer operative for transmitting a multiplexed signal; a detector coupled to receive the multiplexed signal and a second control signal, the detector operative for transmitting an output signal; wherein an amplitude associated with the output signal enables detecting the location of the head.