Piezo Drive Geodesic Instrument Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geodesic measuring instruments face challenges with precision, speed, and power consumption due to limitations in existing drive systems, such as servomotors, electric motors, and piezoelectric elements, which are not suitable for field use and require complex mechanical arrangements, high voltage, and high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The use of piezoelectric micromotors with tuned piezo vibrators and contact elements allows for optimized motion, enabling high-speed and precise positioning without play, using friction for position maintenance and reducing the number of moving parts, and allowing for a rotary endless drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If servomotors with series-connected drive gear are used, then positioning can be held after achievement, but play occurs preventing highly precise positioning in open-loop procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive gear system with a direct piezoelectric drive mechanism. The piezoelectric element directly actuates the optical component without intermediate mechanical transmission elements, eliminating play while maintaining positioning hold capability through the piezoelectric effect's inherent position stability when voltage is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the series-connected drive gear from the system entirely. By extracting this mechanical transmission element, the design eliminates the source of play while still achieving reliable positioning hold through the direct piezoelectric actuation mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If electric motors are used, then closed-loop verification of positioning can be performed, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electric motors with piezoelectric elements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical drive systems, gears, and associated control mechanisms. The piezoelectric effect provides direct, precise actuation with inherent position stability, simplifying the overall drive system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If piezoelectric adjusting elements are used, then small linear distances can be achieved with direct rotation without play, but only small adjustment ranges are possible and large electrical input is demanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear piezoelectric displacement to rotational motion through a cam mechanism. The piezoelectric element's small linear displacement is converted into rotational movement of a cam follower, which then produces larger angular displacements of the optical component, effectively expanding the adjustment range while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a cam mechanism that converts the piezoelectric element's linear displacement into rotational motion with amplified angular range. The cam profile is designed to transform small linear inputs into larger rotational outputs, increasing the effective adjustment range without requiring larger piezoelectric displacements.
4Measurement precision
If piezoelectric elements are used for rotation, then precise positioning can be achieved, but complex mechanical mechanisms are required that are not fit for field use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex piezoelectric rotary mechanisms with a simpler configuration: a linear piezoelectric element actuating a cam follower that converts linear motion to rotation. This approach achieves the same rotational positioning function with fewer moving parts and simpler mechanics, making the system more suitable for field use.
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 solution provides a geodesic measuring instrument with reduced complexity and size, capable of high-speed and precise positioning, maintaining position without continuous power, and operating within a wide temperature range, suitable for field use.
Implementation Method 1
piezoelectric micromotors can be used. In such micromotors, piezo vibrators acting in space and having contact elements are present as driving elements acting upon a suitable bearing surface
Implementation Method 2
The position is maintained by friction, that is, by force lock, when tension is no longer applied
Data Source
AI summary
In a geodesic measuring instrument with a fixing device for positioning the measuring instrument and with a measuring component having an optical beam path for surveying a target, whereby the measuring components are mounted in an aligning component that can be moved relative to the fixing device, and can be moved relative to the aligning component, an optical beam path is modified by at least one piezoelectric micromotor.