Adjustable Prism Pole for Precision Surveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying devices require multiple steps and manual relocation of prism poles to accurately mark coordinates, which is time-consuming and prone to human error, especially when the point to be marked is obstructed by the pole and requires leveling.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device that attaches to a prism pole, allowing for fluid movement in multiple axes and automated adjustment of the prism and self-leveling laser, enabling precise positioning without relocating the pole and reducing the need for manual leveling, using a central processing unit to communicate with Total Stations and automate the marking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a prism pole is used for surveying, then the prism can be positioned to reflect light back to a position locator, but the pole must be physically relocated multiple times to accurately mark the coordinate location, which is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The prism pole is divided into separate functional components: the pole itself remains stationary, while the prism is mounted on an adjustable arm that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the prism to be precisely located without moving the entire pole, eliminating the time-consuming relocation process while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The prism mounting system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable joints and adjustable arms that allow the prism to be repositioned along multiple axes. This dynamic positioning system enables precise coordinate marking without requiring physical relocation of the pole, significantly reducing surveying time.
2Measurement precision
If the prism pole is relocated to mark a point, then the coordinate can be accurately marked, but the pole must be kept level during relocation, which increases operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the leveling function from the positioning function, the pole can remain stationary while the prism is adjusted to the correct position. The adjustable arm system maintains the necessary alignment without requiring the operator to manually level the entire pole during relocation, simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arm system incorporates self-leveling mechanisms that automatically maintain the correct orientation of the prism relative to the pole. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual leveling operations during positioning adjustments, reducing operational complexity and time requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the prism is positioned directly above the point to be marked, then the measurement is straightforward, but the pole obstructs the view and requires manual relocation and leveling, increasing error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the measurement function (prism positioning) from the support structure (pole). The adjustable arm allows the prism to be positioned precisely above the target point without requiring the pole to be relocated or manually leveled during the measurement process, thereby reducing human error risk while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stationary pole and the positioned prism. This intermediary system transfers the positioning function away from the pole, allowing the prism to be accurately placed above the target without the pole obstructing the view or requiring manual adjustment, thus improving reliability by reducing human error.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a self-leveling laser is placed atop the point for upward projection, then the laser can project upwards, but this further increases the risk of human error and requires additional setup time
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the laser projection function with the adjustable arm mechanism, allowing the laser to be integrated into the same positioning system that controls the prism. This integration enables the laser to be automatically positioned and activated as part of the standard measurement process, eliminating additional setup time while maintaining the ability to project upwards.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser system is pre-configured within the adjustable arm mechanism, so that when the arm is positioned, the laser is automatically ready for operation. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for separate laser installation and alignment steps, reducing setup time while maintaining full projection capability.
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 solution significantly reduces the time and error associated with surveying by allowing precise positioning of the prism and self-leveling laser away from the pole, enabling accurate marking without manual pole relocation and leveling, thus enhancing surveying efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The prism reflects light back to a position locator for determining the location of the prism at different locations in a survey
Implementation Method 2
a self-leveling laser is then placed atop the point and the laser project upwards
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for use in surveying operations are provided. A device is provided for selectively connecting to surveying equipment, such as a surveying pole, and is adapted for accurately adjusting a reference point in at least two axes. The device is adapted to work in conjunction with additional surveying equipment, such as theodolites and transits as well as one or more central processing units for analyzing, storing, and providing data.