Deflecting Device for Surveying Instruments Using Ring Gears
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying instruments, such as total stations, face challenges in rapidly and accurately deflecting the distance measuring optical axis in two dimensions due to the high mass and complexity of their mechanical components, leading to high manufacturing costs and limited deflection angle accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A deflecting device comprising a ring-shaped holding member with concentric ring gears, rotary bearings, optical deflecting members, deflection motors, and urging members, including magnetic components, allows independent rotation of the ring gears and optical deflecting members, enabling fast and accurate deflection of the optical axis in two directions with a simple configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional mount section and telescope section are used for deflecting the optical axis, then the structural stability is maintained, but the deflection speed is slow and the manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the deflecting function into two independent ring gears (first ring gear for horizontal deflection, second ring gear for vertical deflection), each driven by its own motor. This segmentation allows independent control and faster response of each deflection direction without being constrained by a single complex mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical mount section and telescope section with a more sophisticated system using rotary magnets and rotary bearings. The rotary magnets generate magnetic fields that interact with the ring gears to produce rotational motion, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical linkages and enabling faster deflection speeds.
2Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical components with great mass are used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the deflection accuracy is reduced due to slow response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses rotary magnets instead of heavy mechanical rotating components. The magnets are supported by rotary bearings and generate magnetic fields that drive the ring gears. This substitution dramatically reduces the mass of moving parts while maintaining or improving deflection accuracy through the magnetic field interaction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for motion generation from mechanical force to magnetic field interaction. By using the magnetic field generated by rotary magnets interacting with the ring gears, the system achieves faster response and higher accuracy without the inertia limitations of massive mechanical components.
3Measurement precision
If high machining accuracy and assembling accuracy are required for traditional mechanisms, then the deflection accuracy is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a magnetic field-based drive system. The ring gears are driven by magnetic interaction with rotary magnets, eliminating the need for high-precision mechanical linkages, gears, and shafts. This substitution significantly simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining deflection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the drive mechanism from mechanical contact-based systems requiring high machining precision to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change allows for easier manufacturing with standard tolerances while achieving the required deflection accuracy through magnetic field control rather than mechanical precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If ring gears are supported by holding member with rotary bearings, then the independence of rotation is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member serves multiple functions: it supports both ring gears, provides mounting for the rotary bearings, and acts as a structural framework for the entire deflecting device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the independent rotation 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 configuration enables rapid and precise deflection of the optical axis in both horizontal and vertical directions, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing rattling during rotation, while maintaining high accuracy, thus enhancing the performance of surveying instruments like total stations and laser scanners.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the urging members includes a magnetic member having a ring shape and fixed to the side surface of each of the ring gears and a magnet disposed in a portion, facing the magnetic member, of the corresponding extending portion
Data Source
AI summary
A deflecting device and a surveying instrument for deflecting an optical axis two-dimensionally comprising a ring-shaped holding member; ring gears disposed on both sides of the holding member with the holding member interposed between the ring gears and concentric with the holding member; rotary bearings disposed between the holding member and the ring gears on both sides of the holding member and concentric with the holding member; optical deflecting members disposed at central portions of the ring gears and integrated with the ring gears; deflection motors corresponding to the respective ring gears; a drive transmitting member configured to transmit rotary force of the deflection motors to the ring gears; and urging members configured to urge the ring gears in a direction parallel with rotation axes of the ring gears.