Handheld trigger type lunar soil sample collector and collecting and replacing method thereof

Abstract

The invention provides a handheld trigger type lunar soil sample collector and a collecting and replacing method thereof, and belongs to the field of deep space exploration equipment design. The problem that when an astronaut carries out maneuvering sampling on the lunar surface, an existing tool is difficult to consider operation convenience, high reliability and lunar soil original state structure maintaining at the same time is solved. Comprising a grasping part, an outer tube part, an inner tube part, a fixing tube, a locking mechanism and a collecting claw, the gripping part comprises a grip and a button; the outer tube part comprises a first outer tube and a second outer tube, one end of the first outer tube is connected with the grip, and the other end of the first outer tube is connected with the second outer tube; the inner pipe part comprises a first inner pipe and a second inner pipe, one end of the first inner pipe is hinged to the button, the other end of the first inner pipe is connected with one end of the second inner pipe, the other end of the second inner pipe is provided with a steering rack, the fixing pipe is fixedly connected with the second outer pipe, and the front end of the fixing pipe is connected with the rod part of the collecting claw; and a sector gear is arranged at the end part of the collecting claw and is meshed with the steering rack.

Description

A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector and its collection and replacement method Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of deep space exploration equipment design, and in particular relates to a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector and its collection and replacement method. Background Technology

[0002] The undisturbed collection and preservation of lunar regolith samples is a crucial aspect of lunar scientific exploration missions. The quality of the samples directly affects the accuracy of subsequent scientific analysis. In manned lunar exploration missions, astronauts need to use handheld tools to collect samples flexibly and maneuverably in the extreme environment of the lunar surface. Currently, lunar sampling tools are mainly divided into two categories. One category is miniaturized handheld sampling tools. Although these tools are easy to carry, their structure is usually relatively simple, making it difficult to reliably contain and preserve lunar regolith at specific depths. Their operating logic is often quite complex. Under the low gravity of the lunar surface and with astronauts wearing heavy extravehicular spacesuits, single-person operation is inconvenient, and there is a risk of samples falling off during transfer. The other category is airborne or vehicle-mounted drilling systems carried on landers or lunar rovers. Although these systems are powerful, their power consumption, mass, and size are all large, which cannot meet the stringent requirements of miniaturization, lightweighting, and ease of operation for astronauts conducting large-scale, maneuverable sampling on the lunar surface. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector and its collection and replacement method, so as to solve the problem that existing tools are difficult to balance in terms of ease of operation, high reliability and preservation of the original structure of lunar soil when astronauts conduct mobile sampling on the lunar surface.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector, comprising a gripping assembly, an outer tube assembly, an inner tube assembly, a fixing tube, a locking mechanism, and a collection claw; the gripping assembly is connected to the outer tube assembly, and the inner tube assembly is disposed inside the outer tube assembly; the gripping assembly includes a handle and a button; the outer tube assembly includes a first outer tube and a second outer tube, one end of the first outer tube is connected to the handle, and the other end is connected to the second outer tube; the inner tube assembly includes a first inner tube and a second inner tube, one end of the first inner tube is hinged to the button, and the other end is detachably connected to one end of the second inner tube, and the other end of the second inner tube is provided with a steering rack; the fixing tube is fixedly connected to the second outer tube, and the front end of the fixing tube is connected to the rod portion of the collection claw; the end of the collection claw is provided with a sector gear, and the sector gear meshes with the steering rack; the locking mechanism includes a spring button, which is radially retractable and disposed on the second inner tube, and the second outer tube is provided with a corresponding reserved hole for the spring button to engage.

[0005] Furthermore, the first outer tube and the second outer tube are connected by a quick-change device.

[0006] Furthermore, the quick-change device is a shaft quick-locking clamp.

[0007] Furthermore, the first inner tube and the second inner tube are connected by threads.

[0008] Furthermore, a viewing window is provided on the first outer tube, and a red area and a green area are provided on the first inner tube corresponding to the position of the viewing window.

[0009] Furthermore, the grip assembly also includes a spring disposed between the grip and the button.

[0010] Furthermore, the front end of the fixed tube is provided with a connecting ear, and the connecting ear is provided with a pin hole. The rod of the collecting claw is hinged to the pin hole of the connecting ear by a pin.

[0011] A method for collecting lunar soil using a handheld trigger-type lunar soil collector includes the following steps: bringing the collector's collecting claw into contact with lunar soil; pressing a button to drive the inner tube assembly to move horizontally, and through the meshing transmission of the steering rack and sector gear, driving the collecting claw to close, thereby collecting lunar soil; when the collecting claw is closed in place, triggering the locking mechanism to complete the locking.

[0012] Furthermore, after the data acquisition is completed, the locking status of the locking mechanism is indicated by the color change of the window on the first outer tube.

[0013] A method for replacing a handheld trigger-type lunar soil collector includes the following steps: operating a quick-change device to separate the first outer tube from the second outer tube; rotating the inner tube assembly to disengage the connection between the first inner tube and the second inner tube; and obtaining a lunar soil sample packaging unit containing a second outer tube, a fixed tube, a second inner tube, and a collection claw with a locking mechanism in a closed state.

[0014] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. This invention achieves a single-handed trigger operation by pressing and closing the gripping component through the linkage design of the button, inner and outer tubes, and rack and pinion gears. The action is simple and direct, perfectly adapting to the stringent requirements of extravehicular spacesuits for simplified operation logic. The quick-change device design makes the replacement of the sample packaging unit quick and easy, further improving the efficiency of extravehicular operations; 2. This invention adopts a purely mechanical transmission and triggering mechanism, without a complex electronic control system, fundamentally eliminating the risk of electronic components failing in the extreme environment of the lunar surface. The action response is crisp and reliable. The locking mechanism can automatically trigger and lock when the collection claw is closed in place, ensuring that the collection claw remains tightly closed during sample transfer and replacement, effectively... 3. The sampling claw of this invention achieves smooth closure through rack and pinion transmission, which can form a collection force with good containment for lunar soil samples, minimizing disturbance to the original structure of lunar soil. Through quick-change device and detachable connection design, the sampling claw containing the sample, the second outer tube, etc. can be removed as an integral packaging unit, realizing contactless transfer and packaging of samples, avoiding cross-contamination and ensuring the purity of samples; 4. The main moving parts of the entire device of this invention are housed inside the outer tube, with a compact structure, effectively reducing the impact of lunar dust intrusion. By adopting high-performance materials and space solid lubrication technology, the long-term operational reliability of the mechanism is ensured in the high vacuum, large temperature difference and highly abrasive dust environment on the lunar surface. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a front view of a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a top view of a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to the present invention; Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of the second inner tube of a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Handle; 2. Button; 3. First outer tube; 4. Second outer tube; 5. Viewing window; 6. Fixing tube; 7. First inner tube; 8. Second inner tube; 9. Steering rack; 10. Acquisition claw; 11. Sector gear; 12. Quick change device; 13. Thread; 14. Spring; 15. Connecting lug. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0018] Detailed Implementation: Referring to Figures 1-4, this embodiment describes a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector, comprising a gripping assembly, an outer tube assembly, an inner tube assembly, a fixing tube 6, a locking mechanism, and a collection claw 10. The gripping assembly is connected to the outer tube assembly and serves as the operating end. The outer tube assembly forms the main frame of the device, housing and protecting the internal mechanisms and providing connection interfaces with other parts. An inner tube assembly is disposed inside the outer tube assembly, transmitting and converting the pressing force input from the gripping part into a closing motion that drives the collection claw 10. The collection claw 10 is the actuator. The locking mechanism automatically locks the relative position of the inner tube assembly and the outer tube assembly after the collection claw 10 is closed in place. The gripping assembly includes a handle 1 and a button 2. The handle 1 provides a grip for the astronaut, and the button 2 receives the pressing force and transmits it to the inner tube assembly to initiate the sampling process. The outer tube assembly includes a first outer tube 3 and a second outer tube 4. One end of the first outer tube 3 is connected to the handle 1, integrating the gripping assembly and the outer tube assembly into one unit. The other end of the first outer tube 3 is connected to the second outer tube 4, forming a complete outer tube assembly. The segmented outer tube design facilitates the assembly, maintenance, and subsequent separation of the sample packaging unit. The inner tube assembly includes a first inner tube 7 and a second inner tube 8. One end of the first inner tube 7 is connected to the button 2. Button 2 is hinged. The first inner tube 7 acts as a transmission rod, receiving the thrust from button 2 at one end and detachably connected to one end of the second inner tube 8 at the other end, transmitting linear motion to the second inner tube 8. The other end of the second inner tube 8 is equipped with a steering rack 9. The second inner tube 8 is a key transmission and functional component. One end of it is connected to the first inner tube 7 to receive motion, and the steering rack 9 at the other end is used to mesh with the sector gear 11 of the collection claw 10, converting its own linear motion into the rotational motion of the collection claw 10. The overall translational motion of the inner tube assembly is the direct power source driving the collection action. The fixed tube 6 is fixedly connected to the second outer tube 4 to ensure that its position remains fixed during the sampling process. The front end of the fixed tube 6 is connected to the collection claw. The rod of the 10 is connected, and the fixed tube 6 is used to provide a stable rotation fulcrum for the collection claw 10 and to serve as a fixed structure connecting the second outer tube 4 and the collection claw 10, so that the collection claw 10 can rotate and open and close around the connection point; the end of the collection claw 10 is provided with a sector gear 11, which meshes with the steering rack 9. The collection claw 10 is used to directly contain and grasp the lunar soil sample. The sector gear 11 of the collection claw 10 meshes with the steering rack 9 at the front end of the second inner tube 8. When the second inner tube 8 moves forward or backward, the collection claw 10 is driven to rotate around the hinge point at the front end of the fixed tube 6 through the meshing transmission of the rack 9 and the sector gear 11, thereby opening or closing and completing the grasping and containment of the lunar soil;The locking mechanism includes a spring button that is radially retractable on the second inner tube 8. The second outer tube 4 has a corresponding pre-drilled hole for the spring button to engage. When the button 2 is pressed, driving the second inner tube 8 to a predetermined position where the collecting claw 10 is fully closed, the spring button on the second inner tube 8 automatically pops out under elastic force and engages in the corresponding pre-drilled hole on the second outer tube 4, forming a mechanical interlock. This prevents the second inner tube 8 from accidentally retracting, ensuring that the collecting claw 10 remains in a closed and locked state.

[0019] This invention, through the specific connection and cooperation of the gripping component, outer tube component, inner tube component, fixing tube 6, and locking mechanism, constitutes a complete and coordinated mechanical system. It achieves comprehensive functions such as convenient single-person, single-handed operation, reliable locking of the sampling process, preservation of the original sample structure, and intuitive visualization of the status. Its overall structural design fully considers the high reliability requirements of the extreme lunar environment and the ergonomic limitations of extravehicular spacesuits. The synergistic action of each component solves the problem that existing tools are difficult to balance in terms of ease of operation, high reliability, and preservation of the original structure of lunar soil when astronauts conduct mobile sampling on the lunar surface. The first outer tube 3 and the second outer tube 4 are connected by a quick-change device 12. The quick-change device is used to reliably and quickly connect and separate the first outer tube 3 and the second outer tube 4. After completing a lunar soil sample collection, the astronaut can separate the first outer tube 3, gripping part, and first inner tube 7 from the second outer tube 4, fixing tube 6, collection claw 10, and the captured sample by operating the quick-change device 12 without the need for other tools. This facilitates the subsequent replacement of the packaging unit containing the lunar soil sample or the key link of equipment maintenance.

[0020] The quick-change device 12 is a shaft-mounted quick-locking clamp. Its working mechanism includes two states: locking and releasing. In the locking state, mechanical interference or constraint is generated through internal slots, cams, or eccentric structures to firmly connect the end of the first outer tube 3 and the end of the second outer tube 4 into one unit, which can withstand the axial force and possible torsional load during the sampling process. When separation is required, the mechanical constraint is released by pushing an unlocking protrusion upward, so that the first outer tube 3 can be unscrewed from the second outer tube 4 and pulled out, thereby achieving rapid separation. This purely mechanical design avoids the dependence on electronic or hydraulic systems in the extreme environment of the lunar surface, ensuring high reliability of connection and high efficiency of separation operation, perfectly meeting the requirements of astronauts wearing extravehicular spacesuits for ease of operation and certainty.

[0021] The first inner tube 7 and the second inner tube 8 are connected by a thread 13. When the first inner tube 7 is pushed by the button 2 and produces translation, the power and motion are seamlessly and rigidly transmitted to the second inner tube 8 through the thread 13 connection, ensuring that the entire inner tube assembly moves as a whole to drive the sampling claw 10. After completing one sampling, the astronaut can separate the first inner tube 7 and the second inner tube 8 at the thread 13 by twisting, thereby separating the gripping part, the first outer tube 3, the first inner tube 7 and other operating modules from the sampling claw 10, the second inner tube 8, the second outer tube 4 and other packaging modules containing the sample. This purely mechanical connection method has a simple structure, reliable connection, intuitive separation operation, strong adaptability to the extreme environment of the lunar surface, and requires no additional tools, which fully meets the comprehensive requirements of astronauts' extravehicular operations for operational reliability, simplicity and equipment environmental adaptability.

[0022] A viewing window 5 is provided on the first outer tube 3, and a red area and a green area are provided on the first inner tube 7 corresponding to the position of the viewing window 5. The viewing window 5 is a transparent or hollow observation port set on the wall of the first outer tube 3. Its core function is to provide a visual indication of the working status, so that astronauts can directly and quickly determine the real-time position of the first inner tube 7 of the collector without disassembling or relying on external sensors, and thus know whether the collection claw 10 is open or closed. This ensures the success of the sampling operation, prevents misoperation, and improves the efficiency and safety of extravehicular activities. The red area and the green area are two different colored marking segments set on the outer surface of the first inner tube 7 and corresponding to the position of the viewing window 5. In the initial state where the button 2 is not pressed, the first inner tube 7 is in the rear position, and the green area on it is exactly... The system is aligned and displayed through window 5, providing the operator with a visual signal that the system is ready for sampling. When button 2 is pressed to initiate sampling, the first inner tube 7 moves forward. When it reaches the endpoint where the sampling claw 10 is fully closed and the locking mechanism is triggered, the red area on the first inner tube 7 moves to and is displayed through window 5, while the green area moves out of the window and is covered. At this point, the red indicator replaces the green indicator, clearly showing the operator that sampling is complete and the mechanism is locked. This purely mechanical status indication scheme, which uses the movement of mechanical components to drive different colored blocks to alternately display in a fixed window, has an extremely simple structure, without any electronic or electrical components. It completely avoids the risk of indication failure due to circuit, sensor, or display element failure in the extreme environment of the lunar surface, and has extremely high environmental adaptability and reliability.

[0023] The grip assembly also includes a spring 14 disposed between the grip 1 and the button 2. The spring 14 is used to provide a reset force for the button 2 and optimize the operating feel. When the astronaut applies pressure to operate the button 2, the spring 14 is compressed and stores elastic potential energy. When the sampling action is completed and the pressure is removed, the elastic potential energy stored in the spring 14 is released, pushing the button 2 to automatically return to the initial extended position, preparing for the next possible operation.

[0024] The front end of the fixed tube 6 is provided with a connecting ear 15, and the connecting ear 15 is provided with a pin hole. The rod of the collecting claw 10 is hinged to the pin hole of the connecting ear 15 by a pin. The connecting ear 15 is used to provide a stable and reliable rotation fulcrum for the collecting claw 10. As an extension structure of the fixed tube 6, the connecting ear 15 accurately positions the hinge point in the required position. The pin hole is used to accommodate the connecting pin. By cooperating with the corresponding pin hole on the rod of the collecting claw 10, the rod of the collecting claw 10 is rotatably mounted on the fixed tube 6, so that the collecting claw 10 can rotate smoothly and accurately around the pin axis, thereby realizing its opening and closing action.

[0025] A method for collecting lunar soil using a handheld trigger-type lunar soil collector includes the following steps: An astronaut holds the collector, aligns the open collection claw 10 with and inserts it into a predetermined sampling point on the lunar surface, bringing the collection claw 10 into contact with the lunar soil; the astronaut presses button 2 on the gripping assembly, driving the inner tube assembly to move horizontally. Button 2 drives the first inner tube 7 connected to it to move forward horizontally. The first inner tube 7, through a threaded connection with the second inner tube 8, drives the second inner tube 8 to move forward horizontally as well. Through the meshing transmission of the steering rack 9 and the sector gear 11, the collection claw 10 is driven to close, and the front end of the second inner tube 8... When the steering rack 9 moves forward, it meshes with the sector gear 11 at the end of the collection claw 10, converting the linear motion into the closing motion of the collection claw 10, thus enclosing the lunar soil within the collection claw 10 and collecting the lunar soil. When the collection claw 10 is closed in place, the locking mechanism is triggered to complete the locking. When the second inner tube 8 moves to the corresponding position, the spring button set on the second inner tube 8 pops up and locks into the reserved hole of the second outer tube 4. This action locks the relative position of the inner tube assembly and the outer tube assembly, thereby preventing the collection claw 10 from accidentally opening in subsequent operations and ensuring that the lunar soil sample will not fall off.

[0026] After the data collection is completed, the locking status of the locking mechanism is indicated by the color change of the window 5 on the first outer tube 3. In the initial unsampled state, the first inner tube 7 is in the rear position, and the area on its surface corresponding to the window 5 on the first outer tube 3 is green. When the button 2 is pressed to sample, the first inner tube 7 moves forward. When the sampling claw 10 is fully closed and the locking mechanism is triggered, the first inner tube 7 moves to a specific position, causing the red area on its surface to move to the window 5. Therefore, the operator can observe the color change from green to red through the window 5, which means that the sampling claw has closed and the locking mechanism has taken effect indirectly and clearly.

[0027] A method for replacing a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sampler includes the following steps: After completing one sampling and locking, the astronaut operates the quick-change device 12 to release the mechanical constraint by pushing an unlocking protrusion upward, separating the first outer tube 3 from the second outer tube 4; rotating the inner tube assembly to disengage the connection between the first inner tube 7 and the second inner tube 8; obtaining a lunar soil sample encapsulation unit containing the second outer tube 4, the fixing tube 6, the second inner tube 8, and the collection claw 10 with the locking mechanism in a closed state. This method achieves "contactless" overall replacement of the encapsulated lunar soil sample, ensuring the original state and purity of the sample, facilitating subsequent storage or analysis.

[0028] The specific embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector, characterized in that: The device includes a gripping assembly, an outer tube assembly, an inner tube assembly, a fixing tube (6), a locking mechanism, and a collection claw (10). The gripping assembly is connected to the outer tube assembly, and the inner tube assembly is disposed inside the outer tube assembly. The gripping assembly includes a handle (1) and a button (2). The outer tube assembly includes a first outer tube (3) and a second outer tube (4), one end of the first outer tube (3) is connected to the handle (1), and the other end is connected to the second outer tube (4). The inner tube assembly includes a first inner tube (7) and a second inner tube (8), one end of the first inner tube (7) is hinged to the button (2), and the other end... The second inner tube (8) is detachably connected to one end, and the other end of the second inner tube (8) is provided with a steering rack (9). The fixed tube (6) is fixedly connected to the second outer tube (4), and the front end of the fixed tube (6) is connected to the rod of the collection claw (10). The end of the collection claw (10) is provided with a sector gear (11), and the sector gear (11) meshes with the steering rack (9). The locking mechanism includes a spring button, which is radially telescopically provided on the second inner tube (8), and the second outer tube (4) is provided with a corresponding reserved hole for the spring button to be inserted.

2. The handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer tube (3) and the second outer tube (4) are connected by a quick-change device (12).

3. A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The quick-change device (12) is a quick-locking clamp for shafts.

4. A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first inner tube (7) and the second inner tube (8) are connected by a thread (13).

5. A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: A window (5) is provided on the first outer tube (3), and a red area and a green area are provided on the first inner tube (7) corresponding to the position of the window (5).

6. A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The grip assembly also includes a spring (14) disposed between the grip (1) and the button (2).

7. A handheld trigger-type lunar soil sample collector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The front end of the fixed tube (6) is provided with a connecting ear (15), and a pin hole is provided on the connecting ear (15). The rod of the collecting claw (10) is hinged to the pin hole of the connecting ear (15) by a pin.

8. A method for collecting lunar soil using the handheld trigger-type lunar soil collector according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Contact the collecting claw (10) of the collector with the lunar soil; press the button (2) to drive the inner tube assembly to move horizontally, and drive the collecting claw (10) to close through the meshing transmission of the steering rack (9) and the sector gear (11), thereby collecting the lunar soil; when the collecting claw (10) is closed in place, the locking mechanism is triggered to complete the locking.

9. The method for collecting lunar soil samples using a handheld trigger-type lunar soil sampler according to claim 8, characterized in that: After the data collection is completed, the locking status of the locking mechanism is indicated by the color change of the window (5) on the first outer tube (3).

10. A method for replacing a handheld trigger-type lunar soil collector as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: operating the quick-change device (12) to separate the first outer tube (3) from the second outer tube (4); rotating the inner tube assembly to disconnect the connection between the first inner tube (7) and the second inner tube (8); and obtaining a lunar soil sample encapsulation unit containing the second outer tube (4), the fixing tube (6), the second inner tube (8), and the collection claw (10) with the locking mechanism in a closed state.

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