NASA Regolith Mower

grabcad

In my third entry for NASA's Sampling System design challenge, I present an updated version of my previous submission. This new design transforms the system into a manually operated machine akin to a lawnmower. To operate it, simply push the R.M forward towards the regolith that needs collecting. A front rake with 2cm spacing between teeth prevents rocks larger than 2 cm from entering the system. The regolith is scooped up by a gear mechanism connecting the front tires to the scoop spindle, which turns the scoop. The collection scoop features a spiraling, convoluted cylindrical design with cupped blades, specifically engineered to push the scooped material to the end of the scoop during rotation. These cupped blades have intermittent perforations, allowing them to pick up rocks first and then sieve the sand while the subsequent un-perforated blade carries the sand and dust. The entire system weighs 328g. A video demonstrating its operation is available at https://youtu.be/RrCcLQ-buoc