Spherical Surveying Marker for Reorientation-Free Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional survey markers are susceptible to damage and require frequent reorientation for accurate measurement, complicating the surveying process.
Innovation Solution
A surveying marker with a reflective object having a spherical surface and targeting marks, allowing easy targeting from various directions without reorientation, and incorporating features for secure attachment and precise measurement using a tachymeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional survey markers with complex optical elements are used, then measurement capability is provided, but the markers are susceptible to damage and require frequent adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex optical elements (triples mirrors) from the survey marker and replaces them with a simple spherical reflective object. This extraction of unnecessary complexity while retaining the essential reflective function directly resolves the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple spherical reflective object that can be easily replaced if damaged, rather than expensive complex optical elements. This approach prioritizes reliability through simplicity and ease of replacement over permanent durability of complex components.
2Measurement precision
If conventional survey markers are used, then measurement is possible, but frequent reorientation is required for accurate measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a spherical reflective object that presents the same reflective surface area regardless of orientation. This spheroidality allows the survey mark to be targeted accurately from any direction without requiring reorientation, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds asymmetric targeting marks (such as a vertical line or cross) on the spherical surface that provide directional reference. These asymmetric features allow precise targeting while the spherical base maintains omnidirectional accessibility, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the spherical surface diameter is made larger, then targeting becomes easier, but the marker becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the spherical diameter parameter to a specific range (10-50mm) that balances targeting ease with compactness. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal point where the spherical surface is large enough for easy targeting but small enough to maintain compactness.
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, compact, and precise surveying with high accuracy and reliability, facilitating easy alignment and measurement from different directions, and reducing the need for frequent reorientation.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective object having a spherical surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A surveying marker (100, 200, 300, 400) for measuring a reference point, for example on a surveying object, comprises a reflection object (102, 202, 302) having a spherical surface (104). The spherical surface (104) of the reflection object (102, 202, 302) has a diameter in a range of 10 to 50 mm, preferably in a range of 20 to 40 mm. In a further aspect, a method for measuring a surveying object is disclosed. The reflection object comprises (102, 202, 302) at least one targeting mark (108, 304, 406) which projects outwardly from the spherical surface (104) and which has a longitudinal axis (L) which passes through a center point (110) of the reflection object (102, 202, 302).