Varying Side Shield Gap Distal ABS for High Areal Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
In data storage devices, the minimization of physical dimensions leads to adjacent track interference (ATI) and erasure after write (EAW) conditions due to lateral magnetic flux emission, which complicates the precise programming of high areal density data bits, as existing side shielding technologies struggle to balance magnetic shunting and field control.
Innovation Solution
A data storage device configuration with a write pole positioned adjacent to shields along specific axes, featuring a horizontally laminated side shield with varying gap distances and transition surfaces, optimized to enhance magnetic field gradients while minimizing shunting and saturation, using sub-layers with different magnetic flux densities and shapes to control magnetic flux effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If physical dimensions are minimized to increase areal density, then storage capacity is improved, but lateral magnetic flux emission causes adjacent track interference and erasure after write conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield is divided into multiple sub-layers (first sub-layer, second sub-layer, third sub-layer) with different gap distances from the write pole. This segmentation allows each sub-layer to address different aspects of magnetic flux control at various radial positions, effectively reducing ATI while maintaining high areal density.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sub-layers of the side shield are positioned at different gap distances from the write pole to provide localized magnetic shielding where needed. The first sub-layer is closer to the write pole while the second and third sub-layers are farther away, creating varying degrees of magnetic shunting and field control at different radial positions along the air bearing surface.
2Reliability
If side shielding is enhanced to reduce adjacent track interference, then data integrity is improved, but magnetic flux shunting and field control are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The side shield structure incorporates dynamic characteristics through its multi-layer configuration with varying gap distances. This allows the magnetic shielding effect to vary along the radial direction, providing optimal balance between ATI reduction and magnetic flux control at different positions on the air bearing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap distance parameter is varied across different sub-layers of the side shield. By changing this critical parameter from uniform to non-uniform distribution, the patent achieves improved magnetic field control and reduced flux shunting while maintaining enhanced shielding against adjacent track interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform gap distance is used between side shield and write pole, then manufacturing is simplified, but magnetic field gradients and curvature sharpness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to manufacture a complex continuously varying gap structure, the patent segments the side shield into discrete sub-layers with specific gap distances. This approach maintains manufacturing feasibility while achieving the desired non-uniform magnetic field control and sharp curvature characteristics.
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 optimizes magnetic shielding at the air bearing surface, reducing the risk of adjacent track interference, erasure after write, and side track erasure conditions, thereby enhancing data integrity and capacity in high areal density storage environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first sub-layer contacting the air bearing surface and separated from the write pole by a first gap distance, a second sub-layer separated from the write pole by a second gap distance greater than the first gap distance, and a third sub-layer separated from the write pole by a third gap distance greater than the second gap distance
Data Source
AI summary
A data writing element may be configured at least with a write pole positioned adjacent a first shield along a first axis and adjacent a second shield along a second axis. The second shield may be separated from the write pole by a first gap distance on an air bearing surface (ABS) and by a second gap distance distal the ABS with the first and second gap distances meeting at a transition surface oriented parallel to the ABS.