Offset EDM Surveying Pole for Accurate Telescopic 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 due to the need for precise height measurements and the desire to minimize dimensions and weight.
Innovation Solution
A surveying pole design featuring a telescopic pole arrangement with an offset electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit and optical redirection within a top unit, allowing for accurate length determination without increasing the top unit's longitudinal dimension, and incorporating a processor to calculate the pole's length based on EDM measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the EDM unit is arranged on the longitudinal axis to enable accurate length measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the top unit's diameter and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The EDM unit is positioned offset from the longitudinal axis, utilizing the radial dimension of the top unit rather than extending the longitudinal dimension. This allows the light path to traverse the pole arrangement diagonally, enabling accurate length measurement without increasing the top unit's diameter or weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement uses asymmetric positioning of the EDM unit relative to the longitudinal axis, creating an offset configuration where the light path enters and exits the pole arrangement at different angular orientations. This asymmetric arrangement achieves measurement functionality without requiring symmetric alignment that would increase overall dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If the EDM unit is arranged on the longitudinal axis for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the top unit's dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is achieved by utilizing the radial and angular dimensions of the top unit through offset EDM unit positioning, rather than extending the longitudinal dimension. The light path traverses the pole arrangement in three-dimensional space, enabling accurate measurement without increasing the top unit's length along the longitudinal axis.
3Ease of operation
If the top unit's diameter is reduced for easier handling, then ease of operation is improved, but the EDM unit cannot be properly positioned for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The offset positioning of the EDM unit exploits the angular and radial dimensions within the compact top unit diameter, allowing the light path to traverse the pole arrangement at an angle. This enables accurate length measurement while maintaining a compact top unit diameter that facilitates easy handling and transport.
4Volume of moving object
If the pole arrangement is made telescopic for compact storage, then volume is reduced, but measurement accuracy becomes more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The offset EDM unit configuration serves multiple functions: it enables accurate length measurement of the telescopic pole arrangement while simultaneously allowing the pole sections to be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage. The optical arrangement is designed to accommodate the telescopic movement, maintaining measurement accuracy regardless of the pole's extended or retracted state.
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 more accurate length measurement, reduces the top unit's diameter and weight, enhancing handling and resistance to falls, while allowing for flexible pole adjustments and integration with geodetic instruments.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
The electronic distance measurement (EDM) unit is configured to determine a distance to said target
Data Source
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.