Magnetic Target Support Tool for Uprightness Surveying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing target support tools require cumbersome management and placement works due to their design variability, necessitating different tools for various attachment targets, which complicates the attachment of retroreflective members for measuring the uprightness of column members in construction sites.

Innovation Solution

A target support tool with a base member comprising a first and second arm connectable to form a bent, equipped with magnetic support parts and a retroreflector at the bent, allowing for stable and precise attachment to different shapes and locations using magnetic forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different support tools are used for various attachment targets, then the attachment can be adapted to different shapes and locations, but the management and placement works become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different attachment targetsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple support tools

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support tool is designed with a universal base member that can be attached to various attachment targets through magnetic support parts. The base member includes a standardized bent structure with connection portions that can accommodate different retroreflective members for various measurement purposes, allowing one tool to perform multiple functions across different attachment targets without requiring multiple specialized tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support tool is divided into separable components including the base member, magnetic support parts, and retroreflective members. The retroreflective members can be detached and replaced depending on the measurement requirements, while the base member with magnetic support parts remains a universal attachment mechanism that can be reused across different targets, simplifying management by separating the reusable core from the task-specific components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a standardized support tool is used for all attachment targets, then the management becomes simpler, but the attachment stability may be compromised for various shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of managing support toolsVSAvoidattachment stability on various targets

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base member is designed with specific local features including connection portions at the bent structure and magnetic support parts positioned to make contact with the attachment target. These localized features are strategically placed to ensure stable attachment on various target shapes and locations, allowing the standardized tool to maintain reliability across different applications through its geometrically optimized contact points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple support tools are maintained for different targets, then each tool can be optimized for its specific target, but the productivity is reduced due to time-consuming tool selection and placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of attachment for specific targetsVSAvoidefficiency of attachment operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support tool incorporates a universal base member with magnetic support parts that can attach to various targets, combined with interchangeable retroreflective members that can be quickly swapped based on measurement needs. This allows a single tool to replace multiple specialized tools, eliminating time-consuming tool selection and placement while maintaining attachment precision through the standardized connection interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support tool allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling the detachment and replacement of retroreflective members from the base member. This dynamic adaptability allows the same base member to be used across different targets and measurement scenarios, improving productivity by eliminating the need to physically swap entire tools while maintaining the precision optimized for each specific measurement task

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables convenient and stable attachment of retroreflective members to various targets, facilitating precise measurement of uprightness without the need for multiple tools, ensuring efficient and reliable surveying operations.

Implementation Method 1

equipped with magnetic support parts and a retroreflector at the bent, allowing for stable and precise attachment to different shapes and locations using magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS12560276B2Target support tool

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 TOPCON CORPORATION

AI summary

A target support tool includes: a base member including a first arm and a second arm connectable to each other to form a bent therebetween; a magnetic support part at least on the first arm; and a retroreflector at the bent of the base member.