Star Infiltration Device for Variable-Force Soil Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planetary exploration technologies, such as NASA's Mars probe attachment 'Mole', face challenges with unadjustable ramming force and frequency, leading to unsuccessful penetration and limited data collection due to variable star soil compaction and gravitational acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A star infiltration device with adjustable ramming frequency and intensity, utilizing solenoid coils to control rammer movement and sensors for precise penetration, enabling in-situ measurement of soil-bearing capacity and geological data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a compressed spring is used to provide ramming force, then the infiltrator can penetrate the star soil, but the ramming force cannot be adjusted according to soil softness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static compressed spring mechanism with an electromagnetic rammer system where the ramming force can be dynamically adjusted through electrical control. The electromagnetic force can be varied according to the softness of the star soil, allowing the infiltrator to adapt to different soil conditions while maintaining reliable penetration capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gravitational acceleration is used to provide power to the rammer, then the infiltrator can penetrate the star soil, but the force is in a single form and cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing the gravitational force mechanism with an electromagnetic actuation system. This substitution allows the ramming force to be controlled through electrical parameters rather than relying solely on gravitational acceleration, enabling variable force application without significantly increasing mechanical system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the rammer strikes with constant force, then the infiltrator structure is simple, but the penetration depth cannot be controlled under variable soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the parameter changes principle by enabling continuous adjustment of the electromagnetic force parameters (current, voltage, pulse duration) to control the rammer's striking force. This allows precise control of penetration depth by varying electrical parameters rather than through complex mechanical adjustments, achieving manufacturing precision while keeping the device relatively simple.
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 successful penetration of star soil layers with variable conditions, allowing for real-time data collection of soil properties and gravitational acceleration, facilitating deeper exploration and data analysis.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing solenoid coils to control rammer movement
Implementation Method 2
sensors for precise penetration
Implementation Method 3
inserting it into the star soil layer to conduct scientific exploration
Data Source
AI summary
A star infiltration device and method of measuring the gravitational acceleration and soil-bearing capacity of a star are provided. The infiltration device is multifunctional and has a variable ramming frequency intensity. It comprises an infiltrator in which a rammer is driven by solenoid coils to move up and down in a conducting pipe to cause the infiltrator to penetrate a layer of star soil. Planetary gravitational acceleration is measured while the infiltrator is in the penetration state, star soil softness is evaluated during the penetration process, and star soil thermal parameters and temperature fluctuations are measured after penetration.