Rotary-Percussive Sampling Drill for Low-Gravity Vacuum Drilling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planetary drilling systems are limited in drilling capability, unable to operate in vacuum conditions, and produce large core samples that require further processing for analysis, making them bulky and complex.
Innovation Solution
A rotary-percussive drill with a translation mechanism and auger mechanism, featuring a percussion assembly and a collection housing, which collects a predetermined amount of sample in a desired form using a biasing member and dog clutch system to generate kinetic impacts and a powder funnel system to preload and release the sample.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate rotation and percussion actuator is used, then drilling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotation actuator and percussion actuator into a single integrated drilling mechanism. The rotation actuator rotates the drill shaft while simultaneously generating percussion through a偏心 (eccentric) mechanism, eliminating the need for separate percussion actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective drilling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation actuator serves dual functions: it provides rotational motion for cutting and simultaneously generates percussion through its偏心 design. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while maintaining effective drilling capability in hard surfaces
2Quantity of substance
If a coring drill with axial hole is used, then sample collection is improved, but sample size becomes large requiring further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary sample amount needed for analysis rather than collecting large core samples. The drill collects a predetermined small amount of sample material in the collection chamber, eliminating the need for further processing to reduce sample size and simplifying the overall analysis workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sample collection parameter from collecting large core samples to collecting a predetermined small amount of sample material. This parameter change optimizes the sample size for direct analysis without requiring additional processing steps
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional drill systems are used, then drilling function is provided, but inability to operate in vacuum conditions limits adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drilling systems with a simplified rotation-percussion mechanism that operates reliably in vacuum conditions. The system uses a rotation actuator with integrated percussion capability and an auger mechanism that functions effectively in low-gravity vacuum environments without requiring atmospheric pressure
4Productivity
If shallow sampling in hard surfaces is enabled, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rotation and percussion functions into a single actuator system, reducing overall device complexity while enabling efficient shallow sampling in hard surfaces. The integrated mechanism provides both rotational cutting and percussive impact in one unified system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic偏心 mechanism within the rotation actuator that automatically generates percussion during rotation. This dynamic design allows the system to adapt to hard surface conditions and achieve efficient shallow sampling without requiring complex separate percussion mechanisms
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
Enables efficient collection of shallow samples in hard surfaces, reduces sample size for analysis, and simplifies drilling operations by providing precise sample collection and handling.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member operably coupled between the housing and the drill shaft to bias the auger to extend outward from the collection housing
Implementation Method 2
The dog clutch having a first member coupled to the drill shaft and a second member operably coupled to the housing, the first member and second member being selectively coupled in response to axial translation of the auger bit
Data Source
AI summary
A drill, system, and method is provided. The drill includes a translation mechanism and an auger mechanism. The auger mechanism is movably coupled to the translation mechanism, the drill mechanism having a housing with an auger bit slidably disposed therein, the auger mechanism further having a collection housing coupled to one end, the auger bit being configured to extend through the collection housing during operation, the collection housing having a hollow interior.