Retroreflective Leveling Base for Floor Reference Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surveying systems require multiple processes and devices for transferring reference points between floors, including vertical and horizontal target devices, which complicates the measurement process and increases device requirements.

Innovation Solution

A leveling base with a pedestal, leveling plate, and a retroreflective prism unit that allows for easy attachment and detachment of measuring devices, simplifying the process of transferring reference points by using a single unit that retroreflects light beams and includes concentric through-holes for versatile device mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional surveying system uses separate vertical target devices and horizontal target devices for transferring reference points between floors, then the measurement function is achieved, but the device complexity and number of required devices increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionVSAvoidnumber of devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vertical target device and horizontal target device into a single integrated surveying instrument. The instrument includes both a vertical axis for measuring vertical angles and a horizontal axis for measuring horizontal angles, allowing both vertical and horizontal reference point transfers to be performed with one device rather than requiring separate target devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surveying instrument is designed with multi-functionality to perform both vertical reference point transfer (by measuring the vertical angle to a prism on the upper floor) and horizontal reference point transfer (by measuring the horizontal angle to a target on the upper floor). This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional surveying system requires both vertical target device and horizontal target device, then complete measurement capability is provided, but the ease of operation decreases due to multiple installation processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the vertical and horizontal target devices into one integrated instrument, the installation process is simplified from two separate installations to a single installation. The instrument includes a single base plate with leveling mechanisms that can be installed once, and then both vertical and horizontal measurement functions are available immediately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-functional design allows the instrument to perform both vertical and horizontal reference point transfers with a single installation. The instrument can switch between measurement modes (vertical angle measurement for floor-to-floor height, horizontal angle measurement for plan position) without requiring reinstallation or additional devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a surveying instrument integrates both vertical and horizontal measurement functions, then device versatility improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The surveying instrument is designed with a segmented modular structure where the vertical measurement components (vertical circle, vertical axis) and horizontal measurement components (horizontal circle, horizontal axis) are separate modules that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be produced using specialized manufacturing processes optimized for its specific function, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument uses a universal base plate and leveling mechanism that serves both vertical and horizontal measurement functions. The theodolite or total station body provides a common reference frame and measurement system that can measure both vertical and horizontal angles, reducing the need for separate manufacturing processes for different target devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 simplifies the measurement process on upper floors by allowing easy installation and removal of devices, increasing the versatility of the leveling base and reducing the complexity of transferring reference points between floors.

Implementation Method 1

a prism unit including a prism with retroreflective characteristics, wherein the prism unit is provided on the leveling plate, and the prism unit retroreflects a light beam entering from a vertically lower side by the prism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Data Source

PatentEP3945284B1Leveling base, surveying instrument and surveying system
Publication Date: 2022.10.19 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP3945284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3945284B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3945284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A leveling base includes the leveling base including a pedestal, a leveling plate provided to the pedestal via leveling screws such that the leveling is enabled, and a prism unit including a prism having retroreflective characteristics. The prism unit is provided on the leveling plate, the prism unit retro-reflects a light beam entering from a vertically lower side by the prism, a lower throughhole through which a light beam which enters/is reflected to the prism penetrates is provided in the pedestal, and an attachment/detachment portion which enables the attachment/detachment of a predetermined measuring device is provided on an upper surface of the leveling plate.