Regolith Sampling Arm With Vibration and Position Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing regolith sampling apparatuses face challenges in operating reliably under extreme conditions and avoiding jamming during sampling, while also needing to minimize weight and volume for spacecraft, especially in non-terrestrial environments where human intervention is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operable regolith sampling apparatus with retractable flaps and a piston mechanism, equipped with position detecting sensors and a ratchet mechanism, which includes a sampling arm with a scoop and extendable tong for collecting and transferring regolith samples, and image acquisition devices with thermoelectric coolers for operation monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sampling apparatus uses a complex mechanism to prevent jamming during sampling, then the reliability of sampling operation is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration mechanism that generates vibrational movements during the sampling process. This vibration prevents regolith particles from adhering to the sampling surface and eliminates potential jamming of the mechanism, thereby improving sampling reliability without requiring overly complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling apparatus utilizes the vibrational movements to automatically clear itself of adhered regolith particles. The vibration mechanism enables the sampling surface to self-clean and prevent jamming without requiring external intervention or complex additional clearing mechanisms, maintaining system simplicity while improving reliability
2Weight of moving object
If the sampling apparatus is designed to minimize weight and volume for spacecraft, then the launch cost and spacecraft capacity requirements are reduced, but the complexity of ensuring reliable operation under extreme conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling apparatus is divided into modular components including the sampling head, vibration mechanism, and retractable flaps. This segmentation allows for optimized weight distribution and enables the use of lightweight materials while maintaining structural integrity and reliable operation under extreme lunar or planetary conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs dynamic elements such as retractable flaps and vibrational mechanisms that adapt to sampling conditions. These dynamic features allow the lightweight structure to maintain reliability by actively responding to extreme conditions rather than relying on overly robust static design
3Reliability
If position detecting sensors and vibration mechanisms are added to prevent jamming, then the sampling reliability is improved, but the device complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The position detecting sensors are integrated into the existing structural components of the sampling apparatus rather than being added as separate external devices. The vibration mechanism is combined with the sampling head structure itself. This merging approach improves reliability while minimizing additional volume occupation
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 apparatus ensures reliable sampling by preventing jamming through vibration mechanisms and position detection, minimizing weight and volume, and providing accurate operation monitoring, thus ensuring successful sample collection and transfer in extreme conditions.
Implementation Method 1
image acquisition devices with thermoelectric coolers for operation monitoring
Implementation Method 2
a flap support member translatable along on a first threaded rod upon rotation thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B(I)~2B(V)
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
There is disclosed a regolith sampling apparatus. The regolith sampling apparatus comprises: a generally cylindrical outer housing extending about a longitudinal axis comprising upper, intermediate and lower housings; an inner housing received in said outer lower housing and comprising a circumferential wall defining a void therein; a piston member comprising a shaft and a piston head disposed in the inner housing; a flap support member translatable along on a first threaded rod upon rotation thereof; an upper platform rotatably isolated and supported in the upper outer housing at a fixed height therein; a lower platform fixedly attached to the circumferential wall of the inner housing and outer housing; and at least one position detecting sensor disposed in the upper housing positioned proximate to either a predetermined extremity of travel of the at least one or more of the second threaded rod for detection of translation thereof, or the flap support member.