Robotic Leveling Instrument Automatic Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining elevation measurements require multiple personnel and are time-consuming, with a need for improved accuracy and reduced costs.
Innovation Solution
A robotic leveling instrument system that includes a digital level with an alignment unit capable of independent rotation, a tracker/aligner for automatic alignment and tracking of a leveling staff, and wireless communication for remote control, allowing a single person to perform high-accuracy elevation measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional digital leveling procedures are used with multiple personnel, then measurement coverage and basic accuracy are achieved, but measurement time increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic leveling instrument performs automatic alignment and tracking functions independently without human intervention. The alignment unit autonomously locates and tracks the leveling staff, while the controller automatically processes measurements and calculates elevations, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate dependency on multiple operators
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with automated electronic and optical systems. The robotic instrument uses electronic controllers, optical scanners, and automated alignment mechanisms instead of manual leveling procedures, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining or improving accuracy
2Measurement precision
If manual leveling procedures are used, then basic elevation measurements are obtained, but measurement accuracy and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic leveling instrument integrates multiple functions into a single system: automatic alignment, staff tracking, elevation measurement, and data processing. This multi-functional device replaces multiple separate manual operations and instruments, achieving high precision while consolidating system complexity into one automated unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the position of the leveling staff through optical scanning and automatically adjusts alignment based on detected positions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high measurement precision by constantly correcting for positional deviations and maintaining optimal measurement conditions
3Ease of operation
If conventional leveling procedures are used, then basic operational capability is maintained, but operational complexity and training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic leveling instrument autonomously performs alignment and tracking functions without requiring operator skill for these complex tasks. The system self-adjusts and self-corrects, reducing the operational burden on users and simplifying the user interface to basic control and monitoring functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions automatically before measurements are taken. The alignment unit pre-locates the leveling staff and establishes proper positioning, eliminating the need for operators to perform complex manual setup procedures and reducing training requirements
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 efficient, high-accuracy elevation measurements with reduced setup time and cost, achieving an accuracy range of ±0.2 millimeters within 100 meters, suitable for applications like high-speed railways.
Implementation Method 1
the reference target includes a reflective portion, and the leveling instrument emits light and detects light reflected from the reflective portion during the scan
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining an elevation of a point relative to a leveling instrument includes sending a first signal from a controller to the leveling instrument using a wireless link. The first signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically align an alignment unit of the leveling instrument with a reference target of a leveling staff. The method also includes receiving a second signal at the controller using the wireless link. The second signal is sent from the leveling instrument and indicates that the alignment unit is aligned with the reference target. The method also includes sending a third signal from the controller to the leveling instrument using the wireless link. The third signal indicates to the leveling instrument to automatically determine the elevation of the point relative to the leveling instrument.