Windable Arm Mechanism for Magnetic Tape Head Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic tape devices face challenges in being made thinner and smaller due to the need for large space for head cleaning mechanisms, which also lead to excessive cleaning and rapid brush wear, and require tape cartridge removal for effective cleaning.

Innovation Solution

A windable arm mechanism that supports a brush for cleaning the read/write head, allowing for cleaning without removing the tape cartridge and optimizing space usage, with a cam plate and gear system for controlled movement and storage within the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a brush is moved upwardly and downwardly along the magnetic head to clean the magnetic head, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from vertical upward-downward brush movement to horizontal approach-retract movement along the magnetic tape guide path. The arm moves horizontally to bring the brush into contact with the magnetic head during tape playback, eliminating the need for vertical space while maintaining cleaning effectiveness through the existing tape movement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the arm is swung upwardly and downwardly in a large stroke, then cleaning coverage is improved, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning coverageVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning mechanism utilizes horizontal movement along the magnetic tape guide path instead of vertical swinging. The arm extends horizontally to position the brush against the magnetic head, and the cleaning action occurs during tape playback when the tape moves the head against the brush, providing full cleaning coverage without increasing device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic tape itself serves a dual function: data storage/transfer and cleaning agent. The tape's movement during normal operation drives the cleaning action, eliminating the need for a separate vertical actuation mechanism and reducing device thickness while maintaining comprehensive cleaning coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If a mechanism moves the arm upwardly and downwardly linked with bearing movement, then cleaning automation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning automationVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic tape serves multiple functions simultaneously: data storage, data transfer, and cleaning medium. The existing tape loading and playback mechanisms are repurposed to drive the cleaning action, eliminating the need for separate actuators, linkages, and control systems for arm movement, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning mechanism utilizes the magnetic tape's own movement during normal operation to perform the cleaning action. As the tape is pulled through the device during playback, it automatically moves the magnetic head against the brush, requiring no additional power sources, motors, or control systems specifically for cleaning automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the brush contacts the magnetic head continuously, then cleaning frequency is improved, but brush wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning frequencyVSAvoidbrush lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brush contacts the magnetic head periodically during tape playback operations rather than continuously. The arm remains retracted when no tape is playing and only extends horizontally to contact the head when tape movement occurs, providing cleaning at appropriate intervals while minimizing unnecessary brush wear from constant contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables the magnetic tape device to be made thinner and smaller, performs cleaning only as needed, reduces brush wear, and eliminates the need for tape cartridge removal during cleaning, thus enhancing efficiency and device compactness.

Implementation Method 1

a cam plate 5, about which the arm section 4 is windable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

cam surfaces 102a and 102b are installed on arm section 102

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS7688547B2Mechanism for read/write device, read/write device, and method of cleaning read/write head

Publication Date: 2010.03.30 NEC PLATFROMS LTD

AI summary

A head cleaning mechanism for a read/write device includes an arm with serially connected arm members that supports a cleaning component. The arm members fold as the arm is wound about a shaft formed on a guide plate which guides a stud attached to the arm as it is wound in a dead space of a corner of the device.