Volatile Coatings for Data Storage Head Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Data storage devices face issues with excessive wear of protective overcoats and lubricant topcoats leading to increased head/media spacing, which affects areal density and can result in drive failure, as existing coatings fail to provide both corrosion resistance and lubricating properties effectively.

Innovation Solution

A data storage device utilizing a multi-functional volatile compound with functional groups that impart corrosion resistance and lubricating properties, which is released as a vapor and adsorbed onto the surfaces of the storage medium and transducing head, allowing for thinner coating thicknesses while maintaining protective properties and reducing head/media spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective overcoats and lubricant topcoats are applied to the bearing surfaces, then corrosion resistance and lubricating properties are improved, but head/media spacing increases which reduces areal density capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistance and lubricating propertiesVSAvoidhead/media spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines corrosion resistance and lubricating properties into a single integrated coating layer, eliminating the need for separate protective overcoats and lubricant topcoats. This merging approach maintains both protective functions while reducing the total coating thickness and head/media spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite coating materials that integrate the functions of both protective overcoats and lubricant topcoats into a single multi-functional layer. This composite approach provides both corrosion resistance and lubricating properties simultaneously while minimizing the increase in head/media spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional protective overcoats and lubricant topcoats are used, then surface protection is improved, but the coatings are eroded over extended periods leading to drive failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface protectionVSAvoidcoating durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent develops a multi-functional coating that performs multiple protective functions simultaneously - providing both corrosion resistance and lubricating properties in a single integrated layer. This universal coating approach enhances long-term durability by preventing both corrosive damage and wear-induced erosion that plague conventional single-function coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite coating materials with integrated functional properties that provide both corrosion protection and wear resistance. This composite structure creates a more durable protective layer that resists erosion over extended operational periods, addressing the limitation of conventional coatings that fail due to wear and corrosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If thicker protective coatings are applied to prevent wear and corrosion, then reliability is improved, but head/media spacing increases which affects areal density

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear and corrosion protectionVSAvoidhead/media spacing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective functions of multiple separate coatings into a single integrated multi-functional coating layer. This consolidation provides equivalent or superior wear and corrosion protection while reducing the total coating thickness, thereby minimizing the increase in head/media spacing and preserving areal density capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a universal multi-functional coating that delivers both corrosion resistance and wear protection in a single thin layer. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for thicker multi-layer coatings, maintaining reliability while minimizing the impact on head/media spacing and areal density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution extends the operational life of data storage devices by reducing friction and preventing direct contact between surfaces, thereby increasing areal density and minimizing the risk of mechanical failure.

Implementation Method 1

a volatile compound... which is released as a vapor and adsorbed onto the surfaces of the storage medium and transducing head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS8149534B2Protective coatings for data storage devices

Publication Date: 2012.04.03 SEAGATE TECH LLC

AI summary

A data storage device comprising a storage medium having a recordable surface, a transducing head having a bearing surface positioned adjacent to the recordable surface of the storage medium, and at least one compound disposed between the recordable surface and the bearing surface, the at least one compound comprising at least one functional group that imparts corrosion resistance and at least one functional group that imparts lubricating properties.