Thermally Active Bumper Pads for TAMR Head Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) heads face challenges in extending recording density beyond 1 Tb/in^2 due to thermal stability issues and limited flux densities, which are exacerbated by the localized thermally-induced protrusions in Thermally Assisted Magnetic Recording (TAMR) heads, leading to potential media damage and reliability concerns during dynamic events.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates thermally active bumper pads that protrude due to heat generated within the TAMR head, increasing contact area and shifting contact points away from sensitive areas, thereby protecting the write head and near-field spot from head-disk interference and providing controlled thermal protrusions to enhance reliability and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If TAMR head uses localized near-field spot to induce temperature rise for recording, then recording density can be extended beyond 1 Tb/in^2, but thermally-induced protrusions cause head-disk interference and media damage during dynamic events
Solution Approach 1:
A bumper pad structure is introduced as an intermediary protective element between the write head and the disk. The bumper pad protrudes during dynamic events to absorb impact and prevent direct contact between the write head components and the disk surface, thereby eliminating head-disk interference while preserving the high recording density capability
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper pad is designed to protrude in advance during dynamic events such as shocks or load/unload processes, creating a protective cushion before harmful contact can occur. This beforehand cushioning protects the write head and near-field spot from damage during emergency situations
2Reliability
If bumper pad is added to protect write head from TD, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper pad structure serves multiple functions: it protects the write head from touchdown damage, maintains the fly height during normal operation, and can be integrated with the existing slider structure. By combining protection and structural support functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized while reliability is improved
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 active bumper pads effectively protect the write head and near-field spot by increasing contact area and shifting contact points, improving reliability and reducing wear during dynamic events, while allowing for adjustable protrusion shapes and asymmetries to optimize performance.
Implementation Method 1
thermally active bumper pads whose shapes are modified by local thermally-induced protrusions
Implementation Method 2
The localized near-field energy appears as a near-field spot at the tip of the plasmon generator's air bearing surface (ABS). This tiny near field spot emerges at the ABS of the PMR read/write head adjacent to the emerging magnetic pole tip of the write portion of the PMR. During write operations, the emerging near-field spot induces a very localized temperature rise in the recording media to assist magnetic writing.
Data Source
AI summary
A PMR read/write head configured for thermally assisted recording (TAMR) includes thermally active bumper pads formed to each side of a write element to provide enhanced touchdown (TD) protection to the write head element where it emerges adjacent to the plasmon near-field spot produced by the TAMR apparatus. The bumper pads are disposed about the write head and absorb heat energy generated by active heating elements, the write current and the energy generated by the TAMR apparatus. Absorption of this energy causes the bumper pads to expand and protrude outward from the slider ABS to protect the read/write head from both intentional and unanticipated touchdown events. The PMR read/write head is then mounted on a slider and the assembly is incorporated into a hard disk drive (HDD).