Magnet Gripper Position Indication Using Photonic Crystal Color Change

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnet grippers lack a means to confirm the position of the piston and the generation of magnetic force without a power supply, posing risks of attracting foreign objects or personnel during setup and operation.

Innovation Solution

A magnet gripper with a piston assembly inside a cylinder tube, equipped with an indicator sheet using a photonic crystal-based print medium that changes color in response to the magnetic field, allowing visual confirmation of piston position and magnetic force presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic sensor is used to detect the position of the piston, then the position detection function is improved, but the device complexity and power supply requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepiston position detectionVSAvoidpower supply and indicator connection

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic magnetic sensor system with a photonic crystal-based optical indicator sheet. The photonic crystal structure changes its optical properties (color) in response to magnetic field changes, providing position detection through passive optical means rather than active electronic sensing, thereby eliminating power supply requirements while maintaining detection functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator sheet serves itself by directly responding to the magnetic field environment without requiring external power or control systems. The photonic crystal structure inherently changes its optical state based on the magnetic field strength, providing automatic position indication that is visible without additional equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If no position indication system is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and operational awareness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidoperator awareness of piston position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a photonic crystal-based print medium that changes color in response to magnetic field variations. This color change provides immediate visual feedback to operators about the piston position and magnetic field presence, enhancing safety and operational awareness while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The indicator sheet acts as an intermediary between the magnetic field and the operator. It translates the invisible magnetic field state into visible color changes, allowing operators to perceive piston position and magnetic field presence without direct measurement equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easy visual confirmation of piston position and magnetic force generation without power, reducing the risk of attracting foreign objects or personnel during setup and operation.

Implementation Method 1

an indicator sheet including a print medium in which a photonic crystal is used is attached to a side surface of the cylinder tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotonic crystal: Photonic Crystal

Data Source

PatentUS20260061632A1Magnet gripper

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 SMC CORP

AI summary

A magnet gripper includes a piston assembly that includes a permanent magnet. An indicator sheet including a print medium in which a photonic crystal is used is attached to a side surface of a cylinder tube.