Offset EDM Surveying Pole for Compact Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surveying poles face challenges in accurately measuring their length while maintaining ease of handling and reducing weight, particularly during operation and transport.
Innovation Solution
A surveying pole design with a telescopic pole arrangement and an offset electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit, combined with an optical arrangement to redirect the light path parallel to the pole's longitudinal axis, allowing for accurate length determination using a processor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the EDM unit is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the pole, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the diameter and weight of the top unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EDM unit is positioned offset from the longitudinal axis of the pole, moving it to a different spatial dimension. This allows the light path to be redirected at an angle rather than requiring the EDM unit to be centered on the axis, thereby reducing the top unit's diameter while maintaining measurement capability through optical redirection elements like prisms or mirrors
2Measurement precision
If the EDM unit is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the pole, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the weight of the top unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the EDM unit offset from the longitudinal axis and using optical redirection, the design achieves accurate length measurement without requiring a larger, heavier top unit structure. The offset positioning allows for a more compact arrangement of components, reducing overall weight
3Ease of operation
If the pole arrangement is made telescopic to reduce dimensions, then the ease of handling is improved, but the measurement complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods with an electronic distance measurement system using light. The EDM unit emits light signals that are redirected by optical elements to measure the distance to the target, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement mechanisms in the telescopic pole
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 design enables precise length measurement while reducing the weight and diameter of the top unit, enhancing handling and resistance to falls, and allowing flexibility in pole length adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of a light path between the EDM unit and the target
Implementation Method 2
The optical arrangement is arranged between the EDM unit and the second end of the pole arrangement, and the optical arrangement is adapted to redirect the light path such that it is parallel with the longitudinal axis within the pole arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A surveying pole comprising a pole arrangement extending along a longitudinal axis, a target internally arranged in said pole arrangement, a top unit mounted on said pole arrangement extending along said axis, comprising a position device, an electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit configured to determine a distance to said target and arranged offset with respect to said axis such that at least a portion of a light path between said EDM unit and said target does not coincide with said axis within said top unit, and an optical arrangement adapted to redirect said light path such that it is parallel with said axis within said pole arrangement, and a processor configured to determine a length of the pole arrangement based on the distance determined by the EDM unit.