Auger Drum

grabcad

The internal bucket remains stationary while the attached auger rotor connects directly to the scoops, spinning them together in both clockwise and counterclockwise motions. In clockwise rotation (digging mode), the scoops collect material which is then transferred to the internal bucket where the auger continuously pushes the material inside, preventing it from forming clogs. The cohesive materials are effectively handled by maintaining continuous motion of the collected regolith, thus eliminating the risk of internal blockages. When reversing the spin direction, the auger mechanically expels the material, significantly increasing purge speed by relying less on gravity. This design is remarkably practical, prioritizing function over aesthetics. It doesn't require additional or intricate mechanisms beyond those already present in RASSOR; the auger shaft connects directly to the arms using standard couplers while the bucket can be easily attached with a simple mounting plate. The auger is a widely used and efficient bulk material conveying mechanism within the mining industry, relying on standard manufacturing methods such as metal forming, lathe work, and welding. A short DEM serves as proof of concept (limited by home computing capabilities). Key features include: a weight of 4.5 kg, made from Ga 16 and Ga 12 aluminum sheet; a standard 1.5" AL pipe size; self-lubricating shaft bearings; a fill ratio of approximately 0.9 with a maximum bucket capacity of 19.8 L; simple seals resistant to temperature and radiation conditions. Optional features include: adding a polymer lining to the bucket for reduced friction with the auger, or manufacturing the auger itself from polymer material.