Ring Gear Deflecting Device for High-Speed Optical Axis Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveying instruments, such as total stations, face challenges in rapidly and accurately deflecting a distance measuring optical axis in two dimensions due to the high mass and complexity of their mechanical components, leading to high manufacturing costs and limited speed of rotation.
Innovation Solution
A deflecting device with a ring-shaped holding member, concentric ring gears, bearings, optical deflecting members, and deflection motors, where the ring gears are supported independently and rotated using timing pulleys and belts, allowing for high-speed and accurate deflection of the optical axis in two directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy mechanical components (mount section and telescope section) are used to ensure high angle accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but rotation speed decreases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the deflection system into two independent segments: a heavy stationary base providing angular reference stability, and lightweight movable mirror assemblies that perform rapid deflection. The mirror assemblies are further segmented into first and second mirrors that can be controlled independently, allowing complex deflection patterns to be achieved through coordinated movement of lighter components rather than rotating the entire heavy telescope assembly.
2Measurement precision
If heavy mechanical components (mount section and telescope section) are used to ensure high angle accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical deflection system (rotating heavy mount and telescope sections) with an optical deflection system using lightweight mirrors and actuators. Instead of mechanically rotating the entire telescope assembly to change aiming direction, the system uses stationary optics combined with rapidly movable mirrors that redirect light paths, thereby achieving the same functional result with dramatically reduced mass and simpler mechanics.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mechanical rotation systems are used to deflect the optical axis, then structural stability is maintained, but rotation speed and responsiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional rotation (spinning the entire telescope around a vertical axis) to two-dimensional deflection using independent mirror movements. The first mirror assembly handles deflection in one angular dimension while the second mirror assembly handles the other dimension, allowing the system to achieve rapid repositioning in the angular space without the inertia constraints of rotating heavy components.
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
Enables rapid and precise deflection of the distance measuring optical axis in both horizontal and vertical directions, reducing manufacturing costs and minimizing rotation errors, thus enhancing the performance of surveying instruments like total stations and laser scanners.
Implementation Method 1
bearings disposed between the holding member and the ring gears on both sides of the holding member
Data Source
AI summary
A deflecting device and surveying instrument comprising a holding member having a ring shape; ring gears disposed on both sides of the holding member with the holding member interposed the ring gears, the ring gears being concentric with the holding member; bearings disposed between the holding member and the ring gears on both sides of the holding member, the bearings being concentric with the holding member; optical deflecting members disposed at central portions of the ring gears and integrated with the ring gears; deflection motors corresponding to the respective ring gears; and a drive transmitting member configured to transmit rotary force of the deflection motors to the ring gears.