Regolith Melting Electrodes Using Ohmic Heating for Lunar Landing Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of modifying regolith in remote locations, particularly for dust mitigation on lunar surfaces, is complicated by the thick layer and varying geotechnical properties, which obstruct the ability to shape the surface into a smooth, flat area suitable for spacecraft landing and launching.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising electrodes with resistive heaters and insulative barriers is used to melt regolith, forming a molten pool that can be graded to create a flat surface. The electrodes conduct electricity through the molten regolith, using ohmic heating to maintain temperature and extend the device's operability, and a gantry advances them through the regolith to expand the molten pool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes with resistive heaters are used to melt regolith, then the ability to modify regolith in remote locations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated electrode assembly: the resistive heater for melting regolith, the outer shell for structural support and electrical conduction, and the intermediate insulative barrier for electrical isolation. This merging of components into one deployable unit improves adaptability for remote locations while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system serves multiple purposes: it melts regolith through resistive heating, conducts electricity through the molten regolith for ohmic heating, and the outer shell provides both structural support and electrical conduction pathways. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address various regolith modification needs, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the electrodes conduct electricity through molten regolith using ohmic heating, then the duration of action is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from intermittent resistive heating to continuous ohmic heating by conducting electricity through the molten regolith between electrodes. This continuous electrical conduction maintains the molten state and extends operational duration without requiring continuous power input to the heaters, thereby extending operability while managing complexity through the use of the regolith itself as the heating medium.
3Reliability
If the intermediate insulative barrier is added between the resistive heater and outer shell, then the electrical insulation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate insulative barrier is applied specifically where electrical insulation is needed - between the resistive heater and the conductive outer shell. This localized application of insulating material provides the necessary electrical isolation without adding complexity to the entire device structure, maintaining reliability while minimizing complexity increase.
4Area of stationary object
If the gantry advances the electrodes through the regolith to expand the molten pool, then the area of molten regolith is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regolith modification process is divided into discrete zones by advancing the electrodes through the regolith. The gantry system allows sequential processing of different areas, creating an expanding molten pool that covers larger surface areas over time. This segmented approach increases the treated area while managing complexity by processing space in manageable increments rather than requiring simultaneous treatment of the entire area.
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
The method effectively forms a solidified, concrete-like pad suitable for spacecraft landing and launching by melting and shaping regolith into a smooth surface, addressing the challenges of lunar surface modification.
Implementation Method 1
A first electrode is configured to melt regolith and conducting electricity. The first electrode includes a resistive heater configured to heat the first electrode
Implementation Method 2
The first and second electrodes are configured to conduct electricity through molten regolith
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate insulative barrier between the resistive heater and the outer shell configured to insulate the outer shell and the resistive heater electrically
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for melting regolith. Electrodes with resistive heaters, an outer shell, and an insulative barrier between them mounted on a gantry are used. The resistive heater initially melts the regolith. The outer shells then have electricity conducted between them to induce ohmic heating of the molten regolith. The electrodes are then advanced by the gantry through the molten regolith to melt the regolith at the edge of the molten pool.