Level Vial Support with Tool Receptacles for Geomatics Poles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Surveyors often misplace small tools like styluses, pencils, and hex wrenches during land surveys, especially in remote and varied terrains, which can disrupt measurement accuracy and require unnecessary trips to retrieve lost items.
Innovation Solution
A level vial support system for geomatics poles that includes a housing with dedicated holders for a level indicator and tools, allowing secure storage and transport of small tools, with adjustable features for alignment and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surveyors carry small tools separately without integrated storage, then they have access to tools during surveys, but they are prone to misplace and lose tools in remote terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines tool storage with the level vial support structure by integrating receptacles into the housing. This merging of functions allows surveyors to carry tools and level vials together as one unit, eliminating separate tool storage needs and preventing tool loss in remote terrain.
Solution Approach 2:
The level vial support housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it holds the level vial for bubble indication, provides structural support for the pole, and incorporates receptacles for storing small tools. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated tool storage devices.
2Reliability
If surveyors use dedicated tool storage devices, then tools are safely stored, but the overall equipment size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating tool receptacles into the existing level vial support housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate tool storage devices. The housing structure serves dual purposes: supporting the level vial and storing tools, thereby avoiding additional weight from redundant storage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool receptacles are nested within the housing structure, with tools stored inside the same housing that contains the level vial. This nesting approach allows tool storage without requiring external attachments or additional structural elements, minimizing weight increase.
3Ease of operation
If tools are stored in the level vial support, then tools are accessible and secure, but the level vial adjustment and alignment become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with segmented or modular components that allow independent access to the level vial adjustment mechanisms while maintaining tool storage functionality. The receptacles and level vial housing are structured to permit separate manipulation of alignment features without requiring removal of stored tools.
4Reliability
If the receptacle extends deeply into the housing for secure tool storage, then tools are safely held, but access to tools and adjustment mechanisms becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure acts as an intermediary that provides secure deep storage for tools while maintaining access through strategically positioned openings or access points. The receptacle extends into the housing for security, but the housing walls provide intermediary access paths that allow tool retrieval and adjustment mechanism operation without requiring complete disassembly or removal of the level vial.
Data Source
AI summary
A support unit for a level indicator capable of being mounted on a geomatic pole, such as a prism pole or a GPS pole. A housing of the support unit is mounted on the geomatic pole. A first holder in the housing holds the level indicator and a second holder holds a tool, such as a stylus or a hex wrench, for use along with of the support unit. The level indicator is pivotally adjustable with respect to the housing for alignment with the geomatic pole when mounted thereon.