Modular Geodetic Total Station With Concealed Data Interfaces
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geodetic total stations face challenges in modular extendibility due to the need for external peripheral components, which compromise handling properties and precision, especially when data interfaces and mechanical connections are not conveniently integrated, leading to issues with contamination protection and ergonomic design.
Innovation Solution
A geodetic total station design featuring a rotatable upper part with integrated data and mechanical interfaces on the upward-pointing side of the support sections, allowing for a detachable top attachment that houses peripheral components, maintaining an integrated design while enabling modular extension with concealed interfaces for improved ergonomics and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external peripheral components are connected to the total station via data interface, then the total station can be extended for particular measuring tasks, but the handling properties and precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The total station is divided into a basic unit and modular peripheral components that can be selectively attached. The support sections are segmented to accommodate optional top attachments, allowing the system to be configured based on specific measuring tasks while maintaining a compact base design.
Solution Approach 2:
Peripheral components are integrated into the existing total station structure through nested arrangements. The top attachment with peripheral components is positioned within the vertical axis of the total station, nesting additional functionality within the existing form factor without significantly increasing overall size.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external peripheral components are connected to the total station, then the total station can be extended for particular measuring tasks, but the integrated design principle is contradicted
Solution Approach 1:
The total station is designed with universal interfaces on the support sections that can accommodate various peripheral components. The mechanical support interfaces and data interfaces are standardized to work with different top attachments, allowing one base unit to serve multiple functions through optional modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral components are merged with the total station through integrated mounting on the support sections. The top attachment combines multiple functions (GPS antenna, radio unit, etc.) into a single integrated module that attaches to the total station, maintaining a unified appearance and operational flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data interface is arranged on the side of the support or alhidade, then the total station can be extended with peripheral components, but the interface is exposed to contamination and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The data interface is extracted from the vulnerable side position and relocated to the upward-pointing side of the support sections. This extraction moves the interface to a more protected location that is less exposed to contamination and moisture while maintaining connectivity functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The data interface is pre-positioned on the upward-pointing side of the support sections before peripheral components are attached. This preliminary placement ensures the interface is in a protected position from the outset, preventing exposure to harmful environmental factors before use.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If self-closing covers are used for the data interface, then the interface is protected from contamination, but the covers are inconvenient to handle and easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The cover mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than self-closing, allowing manual opening and closing as needed. The cover can be easily removed or adjusted by the operator without automatic closing mechanisms, improving handling convenience while still providing protection when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A geodetic total station comprising an upper part (1a) provided with a support (2) with at least one support section (2a; 2b), an electronic display control unit (4), a total station data interface (6) provided with electrical contact elements (6a), and a top attachment (20) that is mechanically coupled above the support (2) and the telescope (3), in a detachable manner, by means of at least one mechanical support interface (8a; 8b) and at least one corresponding mechanical top attachment interface (21a; 21b). The total station data interface (6) is arranged on the support section (2a; 2b), and the top attachment (20) receives the peripheral components and has a top attachment data interface (23) which comprises electrical contact elements (23a) and is connected to the peripheral components in a data-transmitting manner. The mechanical support interface (8a; 8b), the mechanical top attachment interface (21a; 21b), the total station data interface (6), and the top attachment data interface (23) are arranged in such a way that the contact elements (6a, 23a) of the total station data interface (6) and the top attachment data interface (23) are brought into mutual electrical contact by the coupling of the top attachment (20) to the support section (2a; 2b).