Magnetically Actuated Photonic Crystal Sensor for Non-Contact Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical sensing systems face reliability issues in environments with obscurants, obstructions, and potential physical deformation, requiring direct physical contact and often relying on low-reliability methods for proximity sensing.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically actuated photonic crystal sensor system that uses a photonic crystal coupled with a magnetic material on an optical fiber, where magnetic forces induce changes in the photonic crystal's properties, allowing for force sensing without physical contact, utilizing periodic optical nanostructures and interferometry for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct physical contact is used for sensing, then measurement capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in environments with obscurants, obstructions, and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/optical contact sensing with magnetic field-based sensing. A magnet is coupled to the target object, and a magnetic sensor detects changes in the magnetic field caused by object movement or position changes, eliminating the need for physical contact between the sensor and target while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the sensor and the target object. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that transmits information about the object's position and movement to the sensor without requiring direct contact, thus improving reliability in obstructed environments.
2Reliability
If optical sensors are used for proximity sensing, then measurement capability is achieved, but immunity to electromagnetic interference deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes optical sensing systems with magnetic field-based sensing. Magnetic sensors detect changes in the magnetic field caused by target object movement, providing immunity to electromagnetic interference and high-intensity radiated fields while maintaining measurement precision through magnetic field analysis.
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 reliable force sensing and measurement in environments with obscurants and potential deformations, providing improved immunity to electromagnetic interference and high-intensity radiated fields, with applications in structural health monitoring and proximity sensing.
Implementation Method 1
Magnetic forces are induced to the photonic crystal means so as to change properties of the photonic crystal means
Implementation Method 2
The photonic crystal means includes a periodic optical nanostructure
Implementation Method 3
utilizing periodic optical nanostructures and interferometry for accurate measurements
Implementation Method 4
An optical fiber comprises a photonic crystal coupled to a first end thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnetically actuated photonic crystal sensor is disclosed. An optical fiber comprises at least one photonic crystal means coupled to a first end thereof, and a magnetic material coupled to the at least one photonic crystal means.