Theodolite Support Tool for Antenna Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for positioning and calibrating radar antenna systems require precise angle offset calculations due to the theodolite being positioned at a lower elevation than the antenna target points, leading to potential errors in survey calculations.
Innovation Solution
A theodolite support tool with a base plate and clamp system that allows the theodolite to be securely attached to an antenna, enabling vertical adjustment and precise leveling, thus eliminating the need for vertical offset calculations by positioning the theodolite at a predetermined height above the antenna reflector tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the theodolite is positioned on the ground near the antenna at a lower elevation, then the surveying can be performed with conventional tripod positioning, but vertical offset calculations are required which lead to potential errors in survey calculations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the theodolite on the ground and calculating vertical offsets to reach the antenna elevation, the invention inverts the approach by directly positioning the theodolite at the required antenna elevation using a specialized mount attached to the antenna structure itself, thereby eliminating the need for offset calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a theodolite mount as an intermediary device that attaches to the antenna support structure and provides a platform for positioning the theodolite at the correct elevation, serving as a mediator between the antenna structure and the theodolite instrument
2Ease of manufacture
If angle offset calculations are performed to position the theodolite at lower elevation, then conventional surveying techniques can be used, but incorrect survey calculations may occur due to calculation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic angle offset calculation step from the surveying process by directly positioning the theodolite at the required elevation through mechanical means, thereby eliminating the source of calculation errors
Solution Approach 2:
The theodolite mount is designed to self-position the theodolite at the correct elevation through its mechanical attachment to the antenna support structure, eliminating the need for complex manual calculations and reducing human error
3Ease of operation
If the theodolite is positioned at lower elevation than antenna target points, then ground-based surveying is feasible, but precise positioning becomes more difficult due to required angle offset calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional surveying approach by positioning the theodolite at the same elevation as the antenna target points through a specialized mount, rather than positioning it on the ground and using angle offset calculations to compensate for the elevation difference
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the elevation parameter of the theodolite from ground level to antenna elevation by using a mechanically adjustable mount that can be positioned at the precise required height, thereby improving positioning precision
Data Source
AI summary
A theodolite support tool includes a base plate configured to couple to the theodolite. The base plate has at least three rods extending from the bottom side of the base plate with each rod being vertically adjustable. The theodolite support tool also includes a clamp configured to attach to a support of an antenna. A cantilevered frame supports the base plate and is coupled to the clamp such that the frame is approximately level when the clamp is attached to the support of the antenna that is a predetermined angle from vertical.