Pivoting Assembly Dust Sealing for Lunar Sample Collection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional geological and landscaping tools used for collecting lunar samples are ineffective due to lunar dust and debris causing weight issues, component jamming, and erosion, leading to tool failure.

Innovation Solution

A pivoting assembly with a slotted axle, locking rod, and release handle that allows the rotatable arm to lock and unlock at various angles, incorporating seals and a housing to prevent dust and debris entry, enhancing tool durability and usability in lunar environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional geological and landscaping tools are used for collecting lunar samples, then sample collection function is provided, but lunar dust and debris cause component jamming, erosion, and tool failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool reliabilityVSAvoidlunar dust and debris effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the harmful lunar dust and debris from the tool's operational areas through designed channels and openings that allow dust to be expelled while maintaining the tool's structural integrity and sample collection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs seals and protective coverings that act as flexible barriers to prevent lunar dust from entering critical moving components, while allowing the tool to maintain its functional flexibility and movement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional tools with gaps are used, then sample collection is enabled, but dust seeps into gaps adding weight and causing jamming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample collection capabilityVSAvoidtool weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tool structure into sealed compartments and open sampling areas, allowing dust to be excluded from critical components while maintaining access for sample collection, thereby preventing unnecessary weight accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of moving object

If conventional tools are used in lunar environment, then initial operation is possible, but abrasive dust causes erosion and tool failure over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool operational durationVSAvoidcomponent strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates protective measures in advance, such as sealed housings and protected bearing surfaces, that cushion the tool components against the erosive effects of abrasive lunar dust before damage can occur, extending operational duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11219995B1Pivoting assembly, tool, and method of use

Publication Date: 2022.01.11 LONE STAR COLLEGE SYST DISTRICT

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a pivoting assembly, to tools including the pivoting assembly, and to their methods of use in, e.g., collecting lunar samples. One embodiment comprises a shaft coupled to a handle at one end and coupled to a pivoting assembly at the opposite end. The pivoting assembly may comprise a slotted axle, a locking rod having a head engageable with a slot of the slotted axle, and a release handle coupled to the locking rod. The release handle is movable to move the head of the locking rod into a locked position and an unlocked position. A rotatable arm is coupled to the pivoting assembly and is rotatable relative to the handle when the head of the locking rod is in the unlocked position.