Star Drum

grabcad

My objective for the NASA Bucket Drum Design Challenge was to develop a completely novel design that diverged from existing GrabCad submissions. This design features six scoops on either side, each equipped with a regolith collection mechanism coincident with a holding tank. The scoops are offset so that their combined width does not exceed 175mm when engaged. Their length exceeds the holding tank's dimensions, enabling them to rotate and collect regolith as they move. Once collected, the regolith is pinned against the holding tank as it rotates around it. When a scoop reaches the top of the holding tank, there is no longer a surface for it to be pinned against, causing the regolith to fall into the holding tank. During regolith collection, the holding tank remains stationary; however, when full, it will rotate 180 degrees to unload the regolith. This drum can be easily manufactured using a 3D printer or injection molding. The total weight of the drum is anticipated to be approximately 4.75 kg, with the entire structure made from high-density polyethylene. Each scoop measures 100 millimeters in width, and the overall diameter of the drum is 445 millimeters. The total length of the drum is 360 millimeters. Calculations indicate a holding tank volume of 22.3 liters, sufficient to be filled beyond 90% capacity.