Rubber Gate RASSOR Design

grabcad

The Max Width EngagedMass is - 4.91814 kg, while the Max Diameter measures 450mm and the Max Length stands at 345 mm. The Max Total Volume Captured is an impressive 40.21 L, with a Fill Ratio that exceeds 50%. This design closely resembles the original RASSOR bucket in its exterior configuration, but it incorporates a notable difference - a rubber tear-drop-shaped flap gate designed to trap regolith once inside the drum. As the counter-rotating drums reach the bottom of their stroke, the flaps are forced open by the pressure of the regolith, allowing for efficient filling and emptying of the bucket. When full, reversing the rotation opens the gates and enables the drum to be emptied. This assembly consists of 5 unique parts secured with 5/16 Nylock nuts. The ends are crafted from 1060 Aluminum Alloy, while the interior dividers are made of the same durable material. All Aluminum components can be precision-machined using CNC techniques (milled, laser-cut, plasma, or waterjet). The curved encloser pieces are fabricated from Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT) and manufactured by cutting a sheet to size and heat forming. The rubber gate can be produced through additive manufacturing or injection molding. The connecting rod is made of carbon steel and machined using a lathe. This design has the potential to hold at least 40 liters of Regolith when completely full, but optimal performance is likely achieved with a fill of 25-30 liters.