Lunar Sample Extracter with Rotating Filter

grabcad

This Lunar Sample Extractor efficiently gathers samples from the moon's surface using a robotic arm. The mixture is pushed through a rotating filter by means of a coil. The coil and filter spin in opposite directions to enhance sample filtration. Gravitational filtration occurs in four stages: first, regolith dust and small particles are removed; second, rocks smaller than 10mm are filtered out; third, rock samples between 10mm and 20mm are extracted; fourth, any rock larger than 20mm is filtered. A container attached to a housing, moved by a lead screw, enables selective sampling. By rotating the lead screw, the container positions itself under the required filter. Layered sample selection occurs between dust regolith and rocks meeting criteria. The device, mounted on a robotic arm, lifts the sample with a bucket before placing it horizontally for filtration. Contra-rotating filters and coils separate and deposit samples in layers as necessary. A total power consumption of 20 watts includes a 13-watt filtering micromotor and a 7-watt lead screw servomotor with gearbox, while the device weighs 480 grams.