Shape Memory Alloy Rock Splitters for Planetary Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current rock splitting techniques for space exploration are limited by the size, weight, and safety concerns of explosive methods, which generate dust, noise, and vibrations, and are not suitable for sampling large rocks on foreign planets, and static methods are time-consuming and risk environmental contamination.

Innovation Solution

A compact, non-explosive rock splitter using shape memory alloys (SMAs) that exert force on rock walls when heated, allowing for controlled rock splitting without demolition damage, utilizing SMA expanding elements made of NiTiHf, NiTiZr, or NiTiHfZr alloys, which can generate high stresses and recover large deformations in response to thermal loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If explosive and blasting methods are used to break large rock formations, then rock splitting efficiency is improved, but safety concerns and harmful factors (dust, noise, vibrations, flying debris) increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverock splitting efficiencyVSAvoiddust, noise, vibrations, flying debris

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces explosive chemical energy release with a thermal-mechanical system using shape memory alloys. The SMA elements are heated to trigger a phase transformation that generates controlled mechanical expansion force, eliminating the need for explosives and their associated harmful effects while maintaining rock splitting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes the phase transition properties of shape memory alloys. When heated, the SMA material transforms from martensite to austenite phase, causing reversible expansion that exerts force on the rock walls. This phase transition mechanism provides controlled rock splitting without the uncontrolled energy release of explosions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-affected harmful factors

If static methods such as fluid pressure cells and hydraulic wedges are used, then safety and environmental protection are improved, but device size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental contamination, safetyVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the SMA material through temperature control. By heating the SMA elements to trigger phase transformation, the system generates high expansion forces without requiring large hydraulic systems or heavy fluid pressure equipment, thus reducing overall device weight while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory alloy elements are self-actuating through thermal input. Once heated, the SMA material automatically undergoes phase transformation and expands to split the rock, eliminating the need for complex hydraulic pumps, valves, and control systems that would increase device weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Strength

If chemical agents and corrosive fluids are used for rock splitting, then rock fracturing capability is improved, but environmental contamination and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverock fracturing capabilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical corrosion and reaction-based rock fracturing with a pure mechanical expansion mechanism. The SMA elements physically expand through phase transformation to fracture the rock, eliminating the need for chemical agents and their associated environmental contamination and time delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic or controlled thermal input to trigger SMA phase transformation. By applying heat in a controlled manner, the rock splitting process can be initiated on demand without waiting for chemical reactions to occur, significantly reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 SMA rock splitter provides a reliable, cost-effective, and safe method for fracturing rocks in space exploration, reducing payload costs and minimizing environmental disturbance, while allowing for precise sampling and analysis of internal rock structures without generating debris or contaminants.

Implementation Method 1

shape memory alloys (SMAs) that have a unique ability to recover large deformations and generate high stresses in response to thermal loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy phase transformation: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the one or more SMA expanding elements may exert force on walls of the borehole for splitting the rock when the one or more SMA expanding elements reach a predefined temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10675781B1Shape memory alloy rock splitters (SMARS)

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR NAT AERONAUTICS & SPACE ADMINISTRATION

AI summary

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) may be used for static rock splitting. The SMAs may be used as high-energy multifunctional materials, which have a unique ability to recover large deformations and generate high stresses in response to thermal loads.