Magnetic Head Slider Shock Absorbing Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic head sliders damage recording media when external forces are applied due to the hardness difference between the slider substrate and insulating films, causing contact and damage to the magnetic disk.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic head slider with a shock absorbing layer of lower hardness than the slider substrate, positioned at the leading side, which absorbs contact with the recording medium instead of the substrate, reducing damage by minimizing the height and depth of convex and concave portions on the disk surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insulating film thickness is reduced to prevent recess formation, then the risk of magnetic disk damage is reduced, but the protective function of the insulating film is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective structure into two separate components: a shock absorbing layer positioned at the leading side to prevent contact with the magnetic disk, and a thin insulating film positioned at the trailing side for electrical insulation. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing layer acts as an intermediary element between the slider substrate and the magnetic disk. When external force is applied, this intermediate layer absorbs the impact and prevents the harder slider substrate from directly contacting and damaging the magnetic disk surface.
2Strength
If the slider substrate hardness is increased to improve durability, then the resistance to external force is improved, but the damage to magnetic disk during contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different hardness characteristics to different parts of the slider structure. The slider substrate maintains high hardness for durability, while the shock absorbing layer at the leading side has lower hardness to prevent damage to the magnetic disk during contact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock absorbing layer is positioned in advance at the leading side of the slider substrate to cushion external forces before they can reach the magnetic disk. This preemptive cushioning prevents the high-hardness substrate from directly impacting and damaging the magnetic disk surface.
3Reliability
If the shock absorbing layer thickness is increased to improve shock absorption, then the protection against magnetic disk damage is improved, but the slider substrate movement freedom is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the shock absorbing layer to a specific range (5-20 μm) that balances two competing requirements: sufficient thickness to absorb shock and protect the magnetic disk, while maintaining thinness to allow the slider substrate to move freely during normal operation.
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 shock absorbing layer effectively prevents damage to the recording medium by reducing contact with the slider substrate, thereby minimizing the formation of convex and concave features on the disk surface, enhancing the slider's durability and operational safety.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing layer that has hardness lower than hardness of the slider substrate is provided at a leading side of the slider substrate opposite to the trailing side with a thickness of 20 to 40 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic head slider and a method of manufacturing the same. At a leading side of a slider substrate, a shock absorbing layer is provided which has a hardness lower than a hardness of the slider substrate, and a projecting portion is provided on a surface of the shock absorbing layer. If an external force is applied to the slider substrate and the leading side of the slider substrate becomes closer to a magnetic disk, only the projecting portions contact with the magnetic disk. A height of a convex portion and a depth of a concave portion, which are generated on the surface of the magnetic disk, can be decreased, so that it is possible to prevent the magnetic disk from being damaged.