Slidable Spike Stability Attachment for Surveying Sticks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surveyors face instability issues with their equipment due to the cumbersome and difficult-to-position bipedal attachments used with surveying stick bases, which are further compromised by bumps and wind, leading to questionable overall system stability.

Innovation Solution

A slidable, retractable spike stability attachment that integrates with the surveying stick base, allowing the spike to extend below the base for grounding, providing stability without additional parts, and includes a compartment for surveying flags to reduce the number of items carried.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a bipedal attachment is used to stabilize the surveying stick base, then stability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to being cumbersome and difficult to position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of surveying stick baseVSAvoidcomplexity of stabilization system

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stability attachment is merged with the surveying stick base into a single integrated unit. The attachment includes a body that attaches to the base and a spike that extends from the body, consolidating what would otherwise be separate stabilization components into one unified device that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spike is designed to be slidable between extended and retracted positions, allowing dynamic adjustment of the stabilization mechanism. This enables the user to extend the spike into the ground when stability is needed and retract it when mobility is required, making the system adaptable to different operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a bipedal attachment is used to stabilize the surveying stick base, then stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to being difficult to position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of surveying stick baseVSAvoidease of positioning stabilization device

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slidable spike mechanism allows for quick and easy deployment of the stabilization feature. The user can simply extend the spike into the ground and slide it into position without complex assembly or positioning steps, significantly improving ease of operation compared to traditional bipedal attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If surveying flags are carried separately in a container, then accessibility is improved, but the number of items to carry increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of surveying flagsVSAvoidnumber of separate items to carry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The surveying flags are merged with the stability attachment by providing a storage compartment on the attachment body. This integration allows flags to be stored as part of the stabilization device rather than requiring a separate container, reducing the total number of items the user must carry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stability attachment serves multiple functions: it provides ground stabilization through the spike mechanism and simultaneously serves as a storage container for surveying flags. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated containers for each function, reducing overall equipment quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the spike extends below the base when retracted, then stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to potential obstruction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of surveying stick baseVSAvoidmobility of surveying stick system

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spike is designed with a slidable mechanism that allows it to be retracted above the base when mobility is needed and extended below the base when stability is required. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt between mobile and stable states as needed during surveying operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20230392927A1Stability attachment for a surveying stick system

Publication Date: 2023.12.07 BOLINGER BILL

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to a surveying stick system The surveying stick system includes a surveying stick base and a stability attachment attached to the surveying stick. The stability attachment includes a body and a spike slidably extending from a bottom side of the body. When the spike is in a retracted position, the spike does not extend below a bottom of the surveying stick base. The spike slidably shifts into an extended position. When the spike is in the extended position, the spike extends below the bottom of the surveying stick.