Double-Wall Lunar Rover Axles for Electrostatic Regolith Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Lunar rovers face issues with charged dust particles adhering to components during operation on the moon's surface, causing damage and weight distribution problems due to the accumulation of lunar regolith.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of double-walled axles and extension rods with perforated outer walls and a power supply that applies a voltage difference to attract or repel lunar regolith, using conductive surfaces and polarity sensors to control the accumulation of dust on the outer walls, thereby protecting sensitive components and optimizing weight distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a single solid wall axle is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the weight is excessive and lunar regolith accumulates on the surface causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxle weightVSAvoidaxle strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The axle is divided into a double-walled structure with an inner wall and an outer wall separated by a vacuum gap. This segmentation reduces the amount of material required while maintaining structural strength through the vacuum pressure differential and electrostatic repulsion forces that prevent regolith penetration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The axle employs a composite structure combining conductive materials for electrostatic charging with vacuum insulation properties. The double-walled design creates a composite system where the vacuum gap acts as an insulating and protective layer, while the conductive walls generate electrostatic fields to repel charged regolith particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the outer wall is made solid to prevent regolith accumulation, then protection is improved, but weight increases and launch costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from regolithVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical barrier (solid wall) with an electrostatic field-based protection system. By charging the outer wall to a polarity opposite to that of lunar regolith, the system creates electrostatic repulsion forces that actively prevent dust accumulation without requiring a solid continuous barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the electrical parameter (voltage/polarity) of the outer wall to control regolith interaction. By adjusting the charge polarity and magnitude, the axle can adapt to different lunar dust conditions while maintaining protection with minimal mass.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If charged dust particles are allowed to accumulate on components, then weight distribution is affected, but active prevention increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy for dust preventionVSAvoidweight distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the natural electrostatic charge already present on lunar regolith particles and converts it into a protective mechanism. By charging the outer wall with opposite polarity, the system makes the dust particles themselves work against accumulation through electrostatic repulsion, rather than requiring active mechanical or thermal removal systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution effectively reduces the weight of lunar rover components, minimizes damage from lunar regolith, and lowers launch costs by redirecting dust to less critical areas, while maintaining the structural integrity and operational efficiency of the rover.

Implementation Method 1

the power supply is configured to apply a voltage difference between the first conductive surface of the inner axle and the second conductive surface of the outer wall to attract or repel lunar regolith from the outer wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction/repulsion: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a polarity detector configured to detect a polarity of lunar regolith adjacent the lunar rover chassis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarity detection: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20240227442A1Double wall axles and extension rods for a lunar rover chassis

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A lunar rover chassis includes at least two wheels, a power supply, and at least one axle assembly coupled between the at least two wheels. The axle assembly includes an inner axle coupled with the at least two wheels, and an outer wall surrounding the inner axle. The inner axle is configured to rotate to drive rotation of the at least two wheels, the inner axle includes a first conductive surface, and the outer wall includes a second conductive surface. The power supply is electrically connected to the first conductive surface of the inner axle and the second conductive surface of the outer wall, and the power supply is configured to apply a voltage difference between the first conductive surface of the inner axle and the second conductive surface of the outer wall to attract or repel lunar regolith from the outer wall.