Surveying Pole with Integrated EDM for Height Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surveying poles face inefficiencies in time and accuracy due to manual steps and susceptibility to external disturbances, requiring expert knowledge and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A surveying pole with a telescopic structure incorporating an electronic distance measuring unit (EDM) and target within the pole, providing a stable light path for height measurement, along with wireless communication and tilt sensors, to enhance accuracy and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual reading from a tape measure is used for height measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to high expenditure of time and manual errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tape measure reading system with an electronic distance measurement system using laser/EDM technology. The height measurement is automatically calculated by the control unit based on electronic distance measurements between points on the pole, eliminating manual reading and significantly improving surveying speed and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The surveying pole performs self-measurement of its own height through the integrated EDM unit and control system. The system automatically measures distances between marked points on the pole and calculates the total height without requiring external measurement tools or manual intervention, enabling rapid and accurate height determination.
2Ease of operation
If visual measurement markers are used on the pole, then the ease of operation is improved for manual reading, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to reading errors and external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual analog measurement markers with an electronic digital measurement system. Instead of relying on visual reading of scale markers that are prone to human error, the system uses EDM technology to electronically measure distances to marked points and digitally calculates the height, eliminating reading errors and improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces marked points on the pole as intermediaries for the EDM unit to measure against. These marked points serve as reference targets that the electronic distance measurement system can accurately detect and measure, providing precise measurement references without requiring manual visual interpretation of scale markers.
3Device complexity
If the light path for distance measurement is placed outside the pole, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to external disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the EDM unit and its light path within the pole structure itself. The electronic distance measurement system is integrated inside the pole, with the light path contained within the pole's hollow interior. This nesting protects the measurement system from external disturbances while maintaining a compact and integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected measurement environment by placing the EDM unit and light path inside the pole, which acts as a sheltered enclosure. This internal environment is isolated from external atmospheric disturbances such as wind, rain, and dust, providing a stable and reliable measurement condition.
4Productivity
If fully automated height measurement is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases and requires expert knowledge for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The surveying pole performs automated self-measurement of its height through the integrated EDM unit and control system. The system automatically measures distances to marked points, calculates the total height, and displays the result without requiring complex external equipment or expert operation, achieving automation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The surveying pole integrates multiple functions into a single device: height measurement, distance measurement, and data processing. The control unit handles multiple tasks including EDM control, distance calculation, and result display, reducing the need for separate complex systems and making the automated pole easier to operate.
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
The solution improves measurement accuracy and reliability by creating a controlled measurement environment, reducing manual errors and external interference, while allowing for flexible height adjustments and efficient obstacle navigation.
Implementation Method 1
the EDM unit being adapted to emit a light beam towards the target and to detect the light backscattered by the target
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a surveying pole comprising at least two pole sections being telescopically insertable into each other so that a height adjustment of the pole is provided, a pointing tip at the lower end of the pole for setting the pole on a terrain point, a receptacle at an upper end of the pole for mounting a position giving means, a height measuring system for indicating the distance of the position giving means relative to the terrain point.