RASSOR DRUM SCOOP Assembly

grabcad

EDIT:A simpler transmission design has been engineered for my second entry:RASSOR - Contra-rotating, single arm configuration..This transmission could be used with great success in this context, simplifying the existing design.Total mass (drum + scoops + auxiliaries)..3,3 kgMaximum diameter.....................................450 mmMaximum length..........................................340 mmMaximum volume of regolith captured....34 liters per drumFill ratio..........................................................100% (potentially)Scoops are constructed from carbon fiber, while the drum is built using aluminum honeycomb panels or similar lightweight and stiff construction materials (density of approximately 160 g/cm^3).Detailed description of its operation.LOADING OPERATION.When the scoops rotate in the x+ direction, regolite is lifted from the ground and loaded into the drum through the upper opening. A one-way clutch is inserted between the drum and the scoops, preventing torque transmission to the drum during loading.The parasitic torque between the drum and the scoops, caused by regolite friction moving with the scoops, is countered by spring-loaded spheres that keep the drum fixed to the RASSOR arm with the opening upwards.UNLOADING:The scoops are made to rotate in the x- direction. The one-way clutch engages, transmitting torque from the scoops to the drum and disengaging the spring-loaded balls.The drum rotates along with the scoops after a 180 degrees rotation along x-, allowing material inside to fall to the ground.An additional 180 degrees rotation along x- returns the drum to its original position, and the spring-loaded spheres re-engage, fixing the drum to the RASSOR arm.================================================================================Further details on construction and functioning can be found in the provided files.A printable set of pdf drawings is also available for reference.