Gravity Independent Internal Sliding Cylinder Digger - For NASA Moon Mission

grabcad

Sand is collected in a cylinder that travels along the length of a drum. The external fix cylinder has an opening, while the internal sliding cylinder also has one. When the drum claw reaches the top, the internal sliding cylinder is pushed so its opening matches the external cylinder's. This push effect propels sand through the combined openings. By doing this, gravity no longer dictates how sand is emptied from the dug area inside the drum. As the drum begins to descend towards the top, the internal cylinder slides back into place, ensuring the openings don't align and trapping the sand within the drum. With the sliding internal cylinder, pushing effect, and swift closing of the opening, efficiency in filling the drum is greatly increased. A minimum of 80% can be achieved (accounting for the top opening and cylinder areas).