Regolith Trap

grabcad

This video showcases a functional scale model that clearly demonstrates how the design operates: https://vimeo.com/409862252The Regolith Trap is engineered to maximize its interior capacity. Following an extensive review of existing designs, I determined that employing a trap door would significantly boost the fill ratio beyond 50%. After thorough consideration and experimentation, I believe I have developed a design that functions exceptionally well without being overly complex.While precision calculations are challenging, I am confident that this drum design can surpass 80% fill capacity and potentially reach 90%, thereby accommodating over 30 liters - possibly closer to 35 liters.My CAD model utilizes aluminum for the primary components, which would result in a drum weight of approximately 4.5 kg. However, if lighter yet stronger materials were selected, the walls could be made thicker and more robust.This design features three sections offset at 120-degree intervals from one another. Each section is equipped with a single scoop, resulting in a total width of scoops engaged simultaneously being 115 mm. The scoop's dimensions are sufficient to accommodate a 5 cm stone.Since I aimed to minimize the number of moving parts associated with the trap door, I designed it as a single component - a durable silicone/rubber material that utilizes a living hinge to open and shut smoothly, ensuring that regolith does not interfere with the hinge's rotation.The drum's overall diameter measures just under 450 mm, while its length is approximately 360 mm.