Survey Marker Adapter Plug for Stable Socket Reference Points

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for attaching survey markers to reference points are time-consuming, prone to errors, and expensive due to the use of specially designed measuring pins, making it difficult to establish a constant reference point for repeated measurements.

Innovation Solution

An adapter with a plug designed to fit into a standard power outlet, creating a positive-locking and electrically insulated connection, allowing the survey marker to be easily and cost-effectively attached to a fixed reference point using common electrical outlets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a standardized measuring pin is used to attach the survey marker, then the reference point position is stable and reliable, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point position stabilityVSAvoidmeasuring pin complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter body serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the survey marker, contains an electrically insulating plug for electrical connection, and creates a positive-locking mechanical connection with the socket. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized measuring pins while maintaining position stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the survey marker and the electrical socket. It transforms the electrical socket into a suitable reference point mounting location by providing the necessary mechanical interface and electrical insulation, avoiding the need for specialized measuring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a standardized measuring pin is used to attach the survey marker, then the reference point position is stable and reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point position stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter uses a standard electrical plug design that is inexpensive to manufacture compared to specialized measuring pins. The plug is typically made from cheap insulating materials like plastic, making the overall solution more cost-effective while achieving the same reference point stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the plug is electrically connected to the socket, then the connection is stable, but electrical safety hazards arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the potentially harmful electrical conductivity of the plug into a beneficial feature by using the electrical socket's existing structure for mechanical positioning and locking. The plug's shape is adapted to the socket to create a positive-locking connection, while the insulating material prevents electrical contact, thus eliminating the hazard while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The plug is designed with electrical insulation properties, changing the electrical parameter from conductive to insulating. This parameter change allows the plug to maintain stable mechanical engagement with the socket through shape adaptation while preventing electrical current flow, thereby eliminating safety hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Measurement precision

If a custom reference point establishment method is used, then the measurement accuracy is high, but the time required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference point accuracyVSAvoidreference point establishment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is pre-configured with a plug whose shape is adapted to the electrical socket, establishing the reference point position in advance. The survey marker is pre-mounted on the adapter body. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment and eliminates time-consuming on-site reference point establishment procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4368947B1Adapter for attaching a measuring mark to a reference point

Publication Date: 2026.05.06 ROTHBUCHER GEORG

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AI summary

An adapter (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700) for attaching a survey marker (102, 402) to a reference point is described. The adapter comprises an adapter body (104) to which a survey marker (102, 402) is permanently or releasably attached. At least part of the adapter body (104) is formed into a plug (112, 512, 612, 712) that is adapted to a socket serving as a reference point such that it can be inserted into the socket to create a positive connection and is electrically insulated from the socket when inserted.