Servo Write Head Recording Surface Segmentation for Magnetic Tape

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of recording tracks on magnetic tapes necessitates improved servo pattern recording accuracy, which is compromised by friction between the servo write head and the magnetic tape.

Innovation Solution

A servo write head with a recording surface featuring a first region and a second region, where the second region is narrower than the first and notched in a predetermined shape, such as an arc, to reduce friction and enhance tape flow, allowing the tape to float partially above the second region while maintaining contact with the first region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the number of recording tracks is increased to achieve high-density recording, then the storage capacity is improved, but the recording accuracy of the servo pattern deteriorates due to increased friction between the servo write head and magnetic tape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of recording tracksVSAvoidrecording accuracy of servo pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The recording surface is divided into a first region and a second region with different widths. The first region has a width corresponding to the magnetic gap position and maintains full contact for accurate servo pattern recording, while the second region has a narrower width that reduces friction. This segmentation allows different portions of the recording surface to serve different functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the recording surface are given different local qualities - the first region maintains a standard width for accurate magnetic field application and servo pattern recording, while the second region has a reduced width (0.8 times or less, preferably 0.6 times or less, of the first width) to minimize friction. This local differentiation optimizes both recording accuracy and friction reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If the friction between the servo write head and magnetic tape is reduced to improve servo pattern recording accuracy, then the recording precision is improved, but the contact area between the write head and tape is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording accuracy of servo patternVSAvoidcontact area of recording surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The recording surface is segmented into functional zones: the first region maintains sufficient width for stable magnetic field application and accurate servo pattern recording, while the second region reduces width to minimize friction. This segmentation ensures that the contact area is optimized for its specific function rather than uniformly designed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recording surface exhibits local quality variations where the first region has a standard width for reliable magnetic coupling and the second region has a reduced width (0.8 times or less of the first width) for friction reduction. This localized optimization allows the system to maintain adequate contact area where needed while reducing it where friction is problematic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 improves the recording accuracy of the servo pattern by reducing friction and ensuring smooth tape flow, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of data storage on high-density magnetic tapes.

Implementation Method 1

records a servo pattern on a magnetic tape by a magnetic gap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11195550B2Servo write head, servo pattern recording apparatus, method of producing magnetic tape, and magnetic tape

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

[Object] To provide a technology of a servo write head and the like capable of improving the recording accuracy of a servo pattern.[Solving Means] A servo write head according to the present technology includes a recording surface. This recording surface has a first region and a second region, and records a servo pattern on a magnetic tape by a magnetic gap, the first region being formed in with a first width a width direction and corresponding to a position where the magnetic gap is provided in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction, the second region being formed with a second width narrower than the first width and corresponding to a position where no magnetic gap is provided in the longitudinal direction.