Self-Healing CPP Read Head Shield Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In magnetic tape drive systems, achieving high data density is hindered by the challenge of maintaining optimal spacing between the tape head and the magnetic tape, leading to issues with signal quality and wear due to increased head-media spacing and deposits on the head surface.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a substrate with a media bearing surface and a recessed first shield, along with a current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor, both covered with electrically nonconductive and refractory metal films, which reduces the gap spacing and enhances magnetic coupling while providing protective coatings that self-heal during tape passage, minimizing wear and shorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the spacing between the tape head and magnetic tape is minimized to improve signal quality and recording density, then magnetic coupling is enhanced, but wear and shorting due to deposits on the head surface increase
Solution Approach 1:
A protective coating layer is deposited on the head surface before operation to prevent wear and shorting. This preliminary protective measure allows the head to operate at minimal spacing without suffering from the negative effects of direct contact with the tape
Solution Approach 2:
The head structure combines multiple materials with different properties - a soft magnetic material for the shield and a hard protective coating material for the surface. This composite structure provides both magnetic functionality and wear resistance, enabling minimal spacing operation
2Reliability
If the head-media spacing is increased to reduce wear, then reliability improves, but signal quality and recording density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating is applied in advance to create a durable surface that can withstand extended operation. This allows the head to maintain minimal spacing for optimal performance without compromising reliability, as the coating prevents wear accumulation
3Reliability
If deposits accumulate on the head surface during operation, then wear and shorting increase, but the protective coating provides self-healing to mitigate these effects
Solution Approach 1:
The protective coating has self-healing properties that allow it to repair minor damage and prevent deposit accumulation automatically during operation. This self-maintaining characteristic ensures long-term reliability without requiring external intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The protective coating transforms the potentially harmful interaction between the head and tape into a beneficial relationship by providing a sacrificial layer that protects the underlying structure from wear and shorting caused by deposits
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 configuration allows for reduced head-media spacing, improved signal quality, and self-healing protective coatings that mitigate wear and shorting issues, enhancing the recording density and reliability of the tape drive system.
Implementation Method 1
protective coatings that self-heal during tape passage, minimizing wear and shorting
Implementation Method 2
An electrically nonconductive first film is positioned on the media facing sides of the first shield and sensor
Implementation Method 3
reduces the gap spacing and enhances magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus according to one embodiment includes a substrate having a media bearing surface, and a first shield above the substrate. The first shield has a media facing side recessed from a plane extending along the media bearing surface of the substrate. A current-perpendicular-to-plane sensor is located above the substrate, the sensor having a media facing side recessed from the plane extending along the media bearing surface of the substrate. An electrically nonconductive first film is positioned on the media facing sides of the first shield and sensor. A second film is positioned on a media facing side of the first film, the second film comprising a refractory metal.