Spherical Survey Mark for Robust Omnidirectional Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing survey marks are susceptible to damage and require frequent adjustments to be surveyed from different directions, lacking robustness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A survey mark with a spherical reflector object having a diameter of 10-50 mm, featuring an aiming point marking protruding from the surface, allowing accurate alignment and measurement from various directions using a tachymeter or total station, and optionally incorporating a mount for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex optical elements such as triple mirrors are used in survey marks, then the survey mark can be surveyed from different directions, but the survey mark becomes susceptible to damage and requires frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spherical reflector surface instead of complex planar mirror assemblies. The spherical geometry inherently provides omnidirectional reflectivity, allowing surveying from any direction without requiring adjustable components. This curved surface design eliminates the mechanical complexity and fragility of triple mirror systems while maintaining the ability to be surveyed from multiple directions.
2Volume of moving object
If a small reflector object is used, then the survey mark is compact and easy to attach, but the aiming precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a small spherical reflector (10-50 mm diameter) with a localized aiming point marking on its surface. The spherical body provides compactness and omnidirectional functionality, while the concentrated aiming point marking on the surface provides a precise reference for alignment. This local concentration of the aiming feature on the compact sphere resolves the contradiction between small size and aiming precision.
3Device complexity
If no aiming point marking is provided, then the survey mark structure is simpler, but the alignment accuracy with tachymeter crosshair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an aiming point marking that creates a visual contrast on the spherical surface, making it easily distinguishable against the crosshair in the tachymeter. This visual enhancement through color or reflectivity differences provides precise alignment guidance without adding mechanical complexity, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and alignment accuracy.
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 robust, precise, and reproducible surveying of reference points with high accuracy up to 2 mm, facilitating quick and easy measurement from multiple angles without realignment, and accounting for material properties to enhance precision.
Implementation Method 1
A survey mark for surveying a reference point... comprises a reflector object which has a spherical surface
Implementation Method 2
With the help of an electro-optical range finder of the tachymeter, it is then possible to measure the distance between the tachymeter and the survey mark
Data Source
AI summary
A survey mark for surveying a reference point situated, for example, on an object to be surveyed comprises a reflector object which has a spherical surface. The spherical surface of the reflector object has a diameter in a range of between 10 and 50 mm, preferably in a range of between 20 and 40 mm. In another aspect, a method for surveying an object to be surveyed is disclosed. The reflector object comprises at least one aiming point marking which protrudes outwardly from the spherical surface and which has a longitudinal axis (L) that passes through a central point of the reflector object.