Dual Sensor Surveying Instrument Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surveying instruments require a time-consuming leveling process using bubble levels, which can be inaccurate and difficult to read, especially in large deviations from the leveled position.
Innovation Solution
A surveying instrument equipped with a fine inclination sensor and a coarse inclination sensor, along with an evaluation unit and output unit, allows for precise measurement and display of inclination angles, eliminating the need for traditional bubble levels by using electronic acceleration sensors and automatic adjustment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bubble levels are used for leveling the measuring system, then the leveling process can be performed, but it is time-consuming and inaccurate, especially in large deviations from the leveled position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with electronic inclination sensors (coarse and fine sensors) that electronically measure the inclination angle. This substitution eliminates the need for manual bubble level reading and adjustment, providing both faster and more accurate measurements, especially for large deviations from the leveled position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation unit that processes signals from both the coarse inclination sensor and fine inclination sensor. This evaluation unit combines the data from both sensors to determine the optimal inclination data, acting as a mediator that integrates multiple measurement sources to achieve superior leveling accuracy and speed.
2Measurement precision
If a single inclination sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement accuracy and working range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inclination measurement function into two separate sensors: a coarse inclination sensor for measuring large deviations from the leveled position and a fine inclination sensor for measuring small deviations. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific measurement range, achieving high overall accuracy without requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic selection mechanism where the evaluation unit automatically switches between or combines data from the coarse and fine inclination sensors based on the current deviation from the leveled position. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different measurement conditions, maintaining high accuracy across the entire working range.
3Ease of operation
If traditional bubble levels are used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation and readability are poor, especially in poor lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical bubble level system with electronic sensors and an electronic display system. This substitution dramatically improves ease of operation by providing clear electronic readings that are independent of lighting conditions, while the manufacturing complexity increase is offset by the use of standard electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electronic copy of the inclination measurement function, replacing the physical bubble level indication with electronic sensor data that is processed and displayed. This electronic copying allows the measurement information to be presented in a format that is easy to read and interpret under any lighting conditions.
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 enables faster, more efficient, and accurate leveling of surveying instruments, providing a wider working range and higher accuracy, while being easier to manufacture and use, even in poor lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coarse inclination sensor, which is arranged at the component of the measuring system and which is configured to measure the inclination angle and to output coarse inclination data, which correspond to the inclination angle, wherein the coarse inclination sensor comprises an electronic acceleration sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A surveying instrument includes a measuring system having a component, a support, and a mounting unit that is arranged at the support. The component is mounted on the mounting unit and the support and the mounting unit are configured such that the mounting unit is adjustable relative to the support. The instrument also includes a fine inclination sensor that is arranged at the component and is configured to measure an inclination angle of the component and to output fine inclination data. The instrument further includes a coarse inclination sensor that is arranged at the component, is configured to measure the inclination angle and to output coarse inclination data, and includes an electronic acceleration sensor. The instrument additionally includes an evaluation unit that is configured to select inclination data from the coarse inclination data and the fine inclination data and an output unit that is configured to output the inclination data.