VSS - Vibration sampling system

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NASA Lunar Sampling System Design Challenge

VSS- Vibration sampling system


This system is designed to handle sample collection both from the surface and under the surface.
System contains a minimum number of moving parts for a minimum failure rate. In the case of vibration there is a minimum chance of stone jammed.

The main element is the vibrating unit and the grooved feeder, which require installation on:
- One Z-axis in the case of a lunar vehicle where the unit goes forward and picks up the material. System can by lifted up and container directly placed to the return module.
- On a robotic arm in the case of a stationary landing module.

The vibration unit generates a linear feed movement using highly deflection composite springs. This moves the samples up the path. The vibration unit can drive a simple controller or microprocessor.
The power of the control unit will not exceed 20W, and weight of the sampler are 501,9 grams.
By changing the frequency and aptitude, we can control which samples will go after the feeder.
- High frequencies and small amplitude will result in larger stones and at lower frequencies and higher amplitude there will be a better little material.
For throwing too large stones, or with a full container, the servo-positioner arm is activated. He discards all large samples from the track and the container begins to fill with small material.

The percentage of vibration is also transferred to the container in which the samples are stored better and the maximum volume of the container is used.The teeth on the linear feeder, and the grooves on them, can be used as sieves, or even by agitate the surface.

The entire system supervises a 3D camera that measures the surroundings and samples before going to the container.

The camera can work as a real-time transmission to the operator on the Earth or as a fully autonomous system where the camera together with the control unit will evaluate the frequency, amplitude, or servo positioner control to accurately fill the container with correct samples.

As optional, a special impact hammer can be used to take samples from the rocks on the surface.
This tool works on a reciprocating direct-management system.
Contains a set of electric coils that can move by a metal core with an anchor inside the hammer.
The core slides in the chamber over the bushing of the highly resistant Iglidur plastic, which is ultra-low friction.

The chamber is closed and welded by the electron beam in a hard vacuum. this provides the right conditions for the outside of the planet, as there is no dangerous humidity or other gases in the chamber.

Core movement can be controlled by a frequency converter as well as a 3-phase motor. So we can regulate and control the speed of the core in both directions, its strength and its braking.
The hammer has an integrated shock absorber that protects the robotic arm from damage. Power consumption does not exceed 17W.

Thank you