Distance Measurement Device, Rangefinder, and Fixing Apparatus

Technical Field:
Relates to a distance measurement device, as described in claim 1, and to a rangefinder and fixing apparatus for said distance measurement device, as described in claims 5 and 7.

Technical Description:
The objective of this technology is to provide a device and its components, namely a rangefinder and fixing apparatus, ensuring a clear and secure placement of the rangefinder on nearly any surface with different shapes.

According to this technology, the objective is achieved through the features outlined in claims 1, 5, and 7. The dependent claims provide advantageous alternative embodiments and improvement schemes for the distance measurement device. In the preferred embodiment, a replaceable fixing apparatus is mounted on a handheld rangefinder, ensuring its face is directed towards the target to facilitate precise positioning relative to the measured reference point and secure placement on the surface.

The separation between the measurement point determined by the positioning of the distance measurement device and the reference point determines the correction of the distance measured by the rangefinder. If the mass of the fixing apparatus needed for correction is precisely known, the correction can be automatically calculated using a differential calculator. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the differential calculator can be omitted, and the required correction amount can be externally calculated, combined with given data from the fixing apparatus. This device allows simultaneous distance calculations to multiple reference points with only one measurement.

An advantageous feature of the fixing apparatus is its ability to be freely designed on the target side, suitable for various shapes and surfaces. For example, the fixing apparatus may have an adjustable universal support section, designed in the form of an extendable arm that automatically measures its length and transmits the measurement value for calculating the correction. Another application possibility is the calculation of the distance to points that are, in principle, inaccessible, such as the axis of a pipe. Installing the distance measurement device on a pipe allows for direct correction of the measured value, determining the distance to the pipe center.

Using this method, especially in the case of large measurement devices, simplifies calculations and reduces the required time. In the example of the extendable arm, the fixing apparatus can be designed to be adjustable for increased ease of use.

Another advantageous application possibility of the fixing apparatus as a support is its use as a placement point for the measurement device. In this case, in terrestrial measurement applications, a tripod is commonly used as a support and fixing base for the rangefinder. The rangefinder can be pivotally supported around a vertical axis, and through the movement around this axis, a plane is tensioned and calibrated as horizontal through adjustability in the tripod. To measure points beyond the horizontal rotation plane related to the rangefinder and the support, it is necessary to rotate the rangefinder around a horizontal axis. Through the measurement of two overlapping points, it is theoretically possible to determine their difference in height. The technical task is to provide a device that allows the rangefinder to be mounted on the support, preferably a tripod, to rotate around a horizontal axis and a vertical axis without the need for correction of the measured distance.

Figures Description:
Below is a brief example of the detailed description of the device provided in the accompanying figures:

- Figure 1: Overall view of the distance measurement device with two replaceable fixing apparatus.
- Figure 2: Example application of the device with a specially shaped fixing apparatus for installation on a pipe.

- Figure 3: Possible identification of each fixing apparatus using magnets and Hall effect sensors.
- Figure 4: Another possibility of identification using a memory chip.

- Figure 5: Overall view of the device consisting of a rangefinder and a fixing apparatus for connection to a support.
- Figure 6: Representation of the movement possibilities of the entire assembly consisting of the device and an exemplary tripod as a support.

- Figure 7: Functionality of the device when there is a vertical difference in measurement points.
- Figure 8: Functionality of a similar device according to the prior art when there is a vertical difference in measurement points.

- Figure 9: Different geometric situations in the device with a fixing apparatus used for a support and a comparison with a device according to the prior art.

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