Geodesic Range Pole Tilt Sensor Vertical Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geodesic positioning systems using range poles face limitations in accuracy, particularly in vertical positioning, require costly and complex directional sensors, and are prone to errors due to subjective user alignment and computationally intensive calculations, making them unsuitable for high-precision geodesic measurements and ergonomic operations.
Innovation Solution
A modular geodesic positioning system with a range pole equipped with a positioning element, such as a reflector or satellite signal antenna, and a tilt sensor, where the tilt sensor is connected to triggering means that automatically acquire position data when the range pole is within a specified tilt angle range, allowing for weighted averaging to enhance accuracy and reduce manual errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a directional sensor (magnetic compass or satellite positioning system) is employed to determine azimuthal orientation, then the positioning system can determine target point position, but the system becomes complex, costly, interference-prone, and inaccurate for geodesic purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the directional sensor (magnetic compass or satellite positioning system) from the range pole system. By eliminating the need to measure azimuthal orientation, the system avoids the complexity, cost, and interference issues associated with these sensors while maintaining positioning capability through vertical alignment alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The range pole system performs self-alignment using the tilt sensor to detect vertical orientation without requiring external directional references. The system serves itself by using the Earth's gravitational field (detected by the tilt sensor) as the reference, eliminating dependence on magnetic fields or satellite signals for orientation determination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic compass system or satellite positioning system with several antennas is used to determine azimuthal orientation, then orientation can be measured, but the system becomes interference-prone and cannot function in places with interfering magnetic fields or shaded areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the tilt sensor to detect vertical orientation based on gravitational acceleration, which is universally available and unaffected by magnetic interference or satellite signal blockage. This self-service approach using Earth's gravity enables reliable operation in any environment without external field dependencies.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the magnetic compass and satellite positioning system components, the patent eliminates the system's vulnerability to magnetic interference and satellite signal blockage. The remaining tilt sensor-based vertical alignment system operates reliably in all environmental conditions.
3Productivity
If the range pole is swayed with a tilt angle of about 20 degrees to acquire positional points, then measurements can be taken, but the vertical positioning accuracy is merely about three to four centimeters
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor continuously monitors the range pole's vertical alignment and automatically triggers position acquisition when verticality is achieved, eliminating the need for manual sway-based measurements. This self-service mechanism ensures both high productivity and high vertical positioning accuracy by capturing data only when the pole is perfectly vertical.
4Ease of operation
If a user manually aligns the range pole vertically and triggers acquisition, then positioning can be performed, but the alignment decision is purely subjective and may produce differing results
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor provides continuous feedback on the range pole's vertical alignment status. This objective feedback replaces the user's subjective judgment, automatically triggering position acquisition when verticality is achieved and eliminating variability between different operators while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment verification and automatic triggering based on tilt sensor data, removing the need for manual alignment judgment. The range pole system serves itself by objectively determining when vertical alignment is achieved and automatically initiating measurement.
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
The system achieves high precision and ergonomic operation with reduced computational complexity, enabling accurate target point determination even in interference-free terrestrial magnetic fields, avoiding spurious results and improving upon existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor (2a, 2b, 2c) acquiring the tilt angle of the range pole (1)
Data Source
AI summary
A geodesic positioning system determines the position of a target point. The system includes a range pole that can be oriented toward the target point. A tilt sensor is arranged on the range pole, detachably where applicable, for generating a tilt angle signal related to the tilt angle of the range pole. A positioning element, more particularly a reflector or a satellite signal antenna, is arranged on the range pole. Positioning means is able to capture the position of the positioning element as a function of the tilt angle signal. Triggering means is in signal communication with the tilt sensor and with the positioning means, and adapted so that a trigger signal issued to capture the current position of the positioning element is transmitted to the positioning means as soon as the tilt angle signal corresponds to a tilt angle situated within a given tilt angle range.