Compact Sampling Scraper

Last crawled date: 1 year, 10 months ago

Working principle:
1. Scrapers 1 and 2 which are initially closed to occupy less space are to be deployed sequentially with the help of linear actuators.
2. Scraper 1 ,capable of acquiring only bigger regolith(1~2cm), is deployed first.
3. The system(midcollector, scraper1 and scraper2) is then rotated slowly(~5rpm) with the help of a stepper motor.
4. Samples acquired is diverted to the container which is equipped with a digital otoscope-like camera (for visual confirmation).
5. Then, the Scraper 1 is retracted and Scraper 2, capable of acquiring finer regolith(~ <1) is deployed.
6. The process is continued until sufficient amount of regolith is collected(and visually confirmed)

Key design features:
1.The entire system is compact because of its retractable arms.
2. Simple and accurate design for selective sampling.
3. Can be mounted on the vehicle peripherals as well as on a robotic arm.
4. Images from digital otoscope-like camera can be processed with suitable algorithms and further action can be taken for precise sampling either autonomously or by a human in the mission control on earth.
5. The scrapers are designed such that it allows only specific size of regolith and does not get stuck.
6. The entire body is easily manufactured from light-weight aluminium alloy (Al -6065)
7. Weighs around ~286g excluding the electronic parts.
8. All wirings are secured within the hollow mount.
9. Meets all the necessary requirements and conditions.


I personally enjoyed and learned a lot about designing and rendering. Thanks GrabCAD and NASA-ARES for organizing such an innovative challenge! All the best to the remaining contestants.
Cheers! ;)