Magnetic Tape Head Vibration for Static Friction Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic tape driving systems face damage issues due to static friction when transitioning from stopped to running states or reversing direction, and require additional components like speed detectors and rocking apparatuses, leading to increased size and cost.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic tape driving apparatus with a head displacing portion that vibrates the magnetic head unit in the tape's width direction during start, stop, and direction reversal operations to reduce static friction, utilizing a voice coil motor for both tracking and vibration modes, thereby eliminating the need for separate vibration mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the magnetic tape surface is smoothed to improve recording capacity, then the recording wavelength can be shortened and surface smoothness is improved, but the contact area between the magnetic tape and magnetic head is increased, thus increasing static friction that may damage the magnetic head or tape
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic head is vibrated in the tape width direction at specific timings (when the magnetic tape starts running from stopped state, stops from running state, or reverses direction) to reduce static friction between the magnetic head and magnetic tape surface, preventing damage while maintaining the smoothed surface for high-capacity recording
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a speed detector and rocking apparatus are added to suppress static friction, then static friction between the magnetic head and magnetic tape can be reduced, but the device size increases and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head displacing portion that normally displaces the magnetic head in the tape width direction for tracking is made to also vibrate the magnetic head in the tape width direction for reducing static friction, combining two functions into one component and eliminating the need for separate speed detectors and rocking apparatuses
Solution Approach 2:
The head displacing portion is designed to perform multiple functions: both tracking (displacing the magnetic head to arbitrary tracks) and static friction reduction (vibrating the magnetic head at specific timings), making the component universal and reducing overall device complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If recesses are formed only in BOT and EOT portions to reduce static friction, then static friction at BOT and EOT can be reduced, but when the magnetic tape starts and stops with the magnetic head in contact with portions between BOT and EOT, the magnetic head or tape are damaged by static friction
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic head is vibrated in the tape width direction at all critical timings (start from stopped state, stop from running state, and direction reversal) regardless of tape position, providing comprehensive protection against static friction damage throughout the entire tape length, not just at BOT and EOT portions
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 effectively reduces static friction and prevents damage to the magnetic head and tape, while minimizing the apparatus's size and cost by integrating the head displacing portion for both tracking and vibration functions.
Implementation Method 1
head displacing portion for displacing the magnetic head unit in the width direction of the magnetic tape... utilizing a voice coil motor for both tracking and vibration modes
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic tape driving apparatus, which does not cause damage to either a magnetic head or a magnetic tape when making transition of the magnetic tape from a stopped state to a running state, when making transition of the magnetic tape from a running state to a stopped state, or when reversing the transportation direction of the magnetic tape, is provided. In a state where any one of a magnetic head and a magnetic tape moves and the other rests (i.e., a state where static friction may occur), such as at the time of starting transportation of the magnetic tape, at the time of stopping the tape in a running state, and at the time of reversing the transportation direction of the magnetic tape, a head displacing portion vibrates the magnetic head under the control by a displacement control portion, and thus no static friction occurs between the magnetic head and the magnetic tape. Therefore, the risk of causing damage to the magnetic head (such as an MR head unit equipped with an MR element) or the magnetic tape can be reduced.