Compact Lunar Sampler

This Lunar Sampler consists of a shovel and scoop multifuncional head. When the head rotates to one side it scoops regolith sample at the right amounts. Any excess will be filtered out through the slots in the multifunctional head. As the multifunctional head is positioned vertical, the sample is poured into the container. The leak proof mechanism makes sure that the complete scoop of sample is extracted. When the multifunctional head rotates to the other direction, the rake style hook lifts up the rock sample. The rake's geometry is such that only rocks between 10 and 20mm are scooped. As the head rotates into 90 degree, any excess sand will be filtered out through slots on the side. Here, a camera can make visual contact and proceed into pouring the rock sample into the container through the hollow shaft. As the multifunctional head rotates, the worm gear mechanism rotates the container. Since the shaft is offset from the center of the container, any new sample of rock or regolith will land spaced out from the previous one. This way layering of the samples is guaranteed and the container volume is maximized. Calculated mass: 430 grams Materials: -Aluminum -Bronze (Worm gear and driving spur) -Teflon (Bushing for hollow shaft) The device can be mounted on a robotic arm or rover. The calculated power consumption is estimated according to aproximate soil strength, arm length and gear ratio (6 to 1). Power consumption = 20 watt for a low rpm motor (could be alot less depending on the hardness of the soil) The gif animation showing the movement is accelerated and not in real time.