Segmented Particle-Trapping Structures for Slider Pitch Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data storage systems face challenges in maintaining adequate pitch stiffness while improving robustness against particles, as existing designs that enhance particle trapping can reduce gas pressurization, particularly in lower-pressure environments like sealed helium hard disk drives.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of segmented particle-trapping structures with multiple particle-trapping segments and gaps in the slider design, where the aggregate length of particle-trapping segments is at least eighty percent of the overall length, and the gaps are strategically positioned to enhance air compression and maintain pitch stiffness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous particle-trapping structures are used to improve particle robustness, then particle trapping capability is improved, but gas pressurization and pitch stiffness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The particle-trapping structure is divided into multiple discrete segments separated by gaps rather than forming a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the structure to trap particles effectively while maintaining gas flow paths that preserve pressurization and pitch stiffness. The gaps between segments prevent complete gas blockage while still providing particle trapping functionality.
2Reliability
If particle-trapping structures extend deeper below the first level, then particle trapping capability is improved, but pitch stiffness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The particle-trapping segments have varying depths and configurations at different locations rather than uniform depth throughout. This allows deeper trapping capability in regions where it is most needed for particle capture, while maintaining shallower structures in regions critical for pitch stiffness. The non-uniform depth distribution optimizes both particle trapping and structural stability.
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 effectively improves particle robustness while maintaining sufficient gas pressurization, addressing the issue of particle build-up and damage in data storage devices, especially in lower-pressure environments, by optimizing the trade-off between pitch stiffness and particle trapping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The slider rides on a cushion or bearing of air or gas created above the surface of the medium as the disk rotates at its operating speed
Implementation Method 2
maintaining sufficient gas pressurization, addressing the issue of particle build-up and damage
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are sliders that include segmented structures for trapping particles while providing adequate airflow to meet pitch stability objectives. A slider includes a vertical structure and a segmented structure disposed adjacent to the base of the vertical structure. The segmented structure comprises a plurality of particle-trapping segments and at least one gap, where each pair of two consecutive particle-trapping segments is separated by a gap. When the slider ABS faces upward, each gap is at a level that is higher than the floors of the particle-trapping segments on either side of the gap. In some embodiments, the segmented structure includes at least three particle-trapping segments and at least two gaps. In some embodiments, the lengths of the particle trapping segments account for at least eighty percent of the overall length of the segmented structure.