Topology Optimum Structural Design of the Pedestal in the Electro-Optical Theodolite

The pedestal of the theodolite is the main load-bearing part for the installation of the thrust bearings and torque motor stator, which is used to support the weight of the turntable and the pitching shaft system. So that the stiffness of it will have a direct impact on the ability of the theodolites capturing and tracking targets. In order to improve the overall theodolites tracking ability, to increase the stiffness of pedestal becomes more important. The 12 ribs were adopted topology optimization analysis by using the finite element software ANSYS. Through appropriately partitioning topology optimization elements and non-optimized elements, and setting optimization method, the structure of the model was optimized. The optimal ribs shape weve got under the condition of the largest stiffness pedestal structure, which reinforces the overall stiffness of the pedestal, and reduces the total weight.