Abstract
A drill, a chuck and a method operating the drill in extraterrestrial environments is disclosed. The drill includes a percussive powerhead having a percussion motor, cam assembly, and a hammer section. An auger assembly is provided having a motor. A hammer assembly is provided. A chuck assembly is provided. A drill tool is coupleable to the powerhead. The drill tool includes a plurality of external flutes. An internal bore is configured to collect a sample. A first stem is provided having a toothed distal end having a bit and a proximal end having an opening with internal threads configured to allow attachment of a second drill tool without interrupting the internal bore or the external flutes.
Claims
1. A drill for extraterrestrial environments comprising: a percussive powerhead comprising: a percussive assembly having a percussion motor, cam assembly, and a hammer section; an auger assembly having a motor; a hammer assembly; and a chuck assembly; and a drill tool coupleable to the powerhead, the drill tool comprising: a plurality of external flutes; an internal bore configured to collect a sample; and a first stem including a toothed distal end having a bit and a proximal end having an opening with internal threads configured to allow attachment of a second drill tool without interrupting the internal bore or the external flutes.
2. The drill of claim 1, wherein the percussive assembly is a percussive cone penetrometer.
3. The drill of claim 1, further comprising a shear vane.
4. The drill of claim 1, further comprising a linear stage configured to selectively couple with the percussive powerhead assembly to move the drill between a raised and lowered position.
5. The drill of claim 4, wherein the linear stage is manually operable.
6. The drill of claim 5, wherein the linear stage is operable by a foot.
7. The drill of claim 6, further comprising a stem rotation lock configured to connect the linear stage to a foot pad configured to operate the linear stage.
8. The drill of claim 1, wherein the drill is configured to operate in a vacuum.
9. The drill of claim 1, wherein the drill is convertible to a handheld configuration.
10. The drill of claim 1, wherein the drill is powered by a battery.
11. A chuck for use in a drill for extraterrestrial environments comprising: an auger spindle; a housing situated around the spindle; an actuation sleeve situated around the housing; and a coring bit operably connected to the auger spindle.
12. The chuck of claim 11, wherein the coring bit is connected to the auger spindle by a ball lock.
13. The chuck of claim 11, wherein the coring bit comprises a distal end including castellations.
14. A method of collecting samples in extraterrestrial environments comprising: inserting a first stem into a chuck; lowering the chuck to enter the first stem into a surface in the environment; releasing the chuck from the first stem; inserting a second stem into the chuck; lowering the chuck to contact the second stem to the first stem; and extracting the contacted stems to remove a cored section of the surface in the environment.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: after lowering the chuck to enter the first stem into the surface in the environment, initiating rotation of the first stem.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising: after releasing the chuck from the first stem, locking the first stem to prevent rotation of the first stem.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: after lowering the chuck to contact the second stem to the first stem, unlocking the first stem.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising: after releasing the chuck from the first stem, raising the chuck.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein extracting the contacted stems to remove a cored section of the sample comprises: removing the second stem from the first stem; and removing the cored section from within the second stem.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: reinserting the first stem into the chuck; raising the chuck to remove the first stem from within the surface in the environment; and removing the cored section from within the first stem.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0025] The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0026] FIG. 1A depicts operation of a drill coupled to a stand in accordance with an embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 1B depicts operation of a drill in a handheld configuration in accordance with an embodiment.
[0028] FIGS. 2A-2C are perspective views of a powerhead assembly of a drill in accordance with an embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the powerhead assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in accordance with an embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the powerhead assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0031] FIG. 4B is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 4A;
[0032] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the powerhead assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in an open position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0033] FIG. 4D is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 4C;
[0034] FIG. 4E is a side view of the powerhead assembly of FIGS. 2A-2C in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 4F is a perspective view of a battery assembly in accordance with an embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a front view of a control panel of a drill in accordance with an embodiment;
[0037] FIG. 6A is a side view of a chuck in an idle position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0038] FIG. 6B is a side view of the chuck of FIG. 6A in an unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0039] FIG. 6C is a side view of the chuck of FIG. 6A in a rotated unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 6D is a side view of a stem inserted into the chuck of FIG. 6A in the rotated unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0041] FIG. 6E is a side view of the stem inserted into the chuck of FIG. 6A in a locked position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 7 is an internal view of a coring bit inserted into a chuck in accordance with some embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 8A is a sectional view of a chuck in an idle position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 8B is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 8A.
[0045] FIG. 8C is a sectional view of the chuck of FIG. 8A in an unlocked position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 8D is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 8C;
[0047] FIG. 8E is a sectional view of a coring bit mated to the chuck of FIG. 8A in accordance with an embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 8F is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 8E;
[0049] FIG. 8G is a sectional view of a coring bit mated to the chuck of FIG. 8A in a locked position in accordance with an embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 8H is a zoomed-in view of FIG. 8G;
[0051] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a hole starter tool in accordance with an embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 9B is a side view of a chuck assembly within the hole starter tool of FIG. 9A.
[0053] FIG. 10A is a sectional view of a chuck assembly engaging in a forward drill action in accordance with an embodiment;
[0054] FIG. 10B is a sectional view of the chuck assembly of FIG. 10A engaging in a reverse drill action in accordance with an embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a penetrometer in accordance with an embodiment;
[0056] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a shear vane in accordance with an embodiment;
[0057] FIG. 11C is a perspective view of a teeth situated on a coring bit in accordance with an embodiment;
[0058] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a linear stage in accordance with an embodiment;
[0059] FIG. 12B is a side view of the linear stage of FIG. 12A in a stowed configuration;
[0060] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of an upper portion of the linear stage of FIG. 10A;
[0061] FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the upper portion of FIG. 12C with a housing and carriage removed.
[0062] FIG. 12E is a perspective view of a quiver in accordance with an embodiment;
[0063] FIG. 12F is a perspective view of a capstan spool in accordance with an embodiment;
[0064] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the linear stage of FIG. 12A;
[0065] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a stem rotation lock of the linear stage of FIG. 12A;
[0066] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a carriage lock of the linear stage of FIG. 12A;
[0067] FIG. 13D is a perspective view of a cable frame of the linear stage of FIG. 12A;
[0068] FIG. 13E is a perspective view of a control panel of the linear stage of FIG. 12A;
[0069] FIG. 13F is a front view of the control panel of FIG. 13D;
[0070] FIG. 14A is an internal view of an avionics assembly in accordance with an embodiment;
[0071] FIG. 14B is a block diagram of an avionics assembly in accordance with an embodiment;
[0072] FIGS. 15A-15Q depict an astronaut operating a drill with a linear stand in accordance with an embodiment;
[0073] FIGS. 16A-16K depict an astronaut extracting a sample in accordance with an embodiment;
[0074] FIGS. 17A-17K depict an astronaut operating a drill in a handheld mode in accordance with an embodiment.
[0075] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0076] A disadvantage of the planetary drilling systems employed on the Apollo missions is the limited drilling capability, only coring samples up to three meters below an extraterrestrial surface. These systems are also not configured to operate in a vacuum, which then involves the pressurization of some portions of the system with nitrogen. As the number of scientific and commercial extraterrestrial endeavors increases, systems are needed that provide additional testing and collecting capabilities.
[0077] Commonly used systems were designed for robotic use. There is therefore a need for solutions that are adapted for manual use. While existing planetary drilling systems are suitable for their intended purposes the need for improvement remains, particularly in providing a drill having the features described herein.
[0078] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for reduced drilling time and therefore reduced stress on astronauts resulting from drilling operations and pulling the drill out of a drill site. Further embodiments of the present disclosure provide for simplified assembly of various drill sections. And further embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a drill operable in a handheld configuration, or operable with the assistance of a stage.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an embodiment is shown of a drill assembly 100. It should be appreciated that while embodiments herein may refer to the use of the drill assembly 100 with respect to a particular application, such collection of a sample from an extraterrestrial location, such as the Moon or lunar surface, this is for example purposes and the claims should not be so limited. In other embodiments, the drill assembly 100 described herein may be used in connection with sample collection from other terrestrial or extraterrestrial bodies, such as but not limited to Mars, asteroids, Kupier Belt objects, and Trans-Neptunian objects for example. In still further embodiments, the drill assembly 100 may be used on moons/satellite objects of other solar system planets, such as Titan or Europa for example.
[0080] FIG. 1A depicts operation of the drill assembly 100 in a stationary configuration 100A. In the stationary configuration 100A, the drill assembly 100 may be paired to a linear stage 180. The drill assembly 100 may be oriented vertically such that a stem is positioned to enter a sample situated beneath the linear stage 180. In the stationary configuration 100A, the drill is manually operable by an astronaut as described herein in further detail below.
[0081] FIG. 1B depicts operation of the drill assembly 100 in a handheld configuration 100B. In the handheld configuration 100B, the drill assembly 100 may be held by one or both hands of an astronaut. The astronaut may employ the drill assembly 100 in the handheld configuration 100B to position a coring bit into a sample in front of the astronaut, for example a rock or geological feature.
[0082] The drill assembly 100 may include a powerhead assembly 110, for example as depicted in FIGS. 2A-2C. The powerhead assembly 110 may be an electrical and mechanical interface, allowing communication between an auger assembly 120, percussion assembly 130, chuck assembly 140, and cam assembly 150.
[0083] In some embodiments, the powerhead assembly 110 includes a top handle 113 and a side handle 114 situated on opposite ends of the powerhead assembly 110. The top handle 113 may include a primary trigger 111 and the side handle 114 may include a secondary trigger 112. In some embodiments, each trigger 111 and 112 must be activated to engage the chuck assembly 140 when the drill 100 is in a handheld configuration 100B. Each trigger 111 and 112 may be activated by pressure, for example pressure exerted by an astronaut's hands through a spacesuit.
[0084] The powerhead assembly 110 may include one or more batteries situated within a battery case 116. By way of non-limiting example, the powerhead assembly 110 may include four Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) batteries 300 in each battery case 116. FIGS. 2A-2C depicts a powerhead assembly 110 including two battery cases 116 by way of non-limiting example. The powerhead assembly 110 may further include a battery release latch 115 to open the battery case 116 for replacement of the batteries 300.
[0085] The powerhead assembly 110 may include a carriage interface 117 configured to operably interface with the linear stage 180. The powerhead assembly 110 may further include an avionics assembly 118. The avionics assembly 118 is described herein in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 14A and 14B.
[0086] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the powerhead assembly 110. The powerhead assembly 110 may house an auger assembly 120 and associated auger motor 122, a percussion (for example, hammer) assembly 130, a chuck assembly 140, and a cam assembly 150 and associated cam motor 152.
[0087] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4F, the powerhead assembly 110 may include a battery release latch 115 configured to allow for replacement of one or more batteries 300. Activation of the battery release latch 115 releases battery case latch 119. The battery case latch 119 may spring towards the center of the powerhead assembly 110, allowing the battery case 116 to be removed from the powerhead assembly 110.
[0088] The powerhead assembly 110 may further include a control panel 160 situated between the trays of the avionics assembly 118. The control panel 160 may be situated at an end of the powerhead assembly 110 including the top handle 113. Referring now to FIG. 5, the control panel 160 may include a mode indicator 161, a battery display 162, a fault indicator 163, a power switch 164, and an auger switch 165. The functionality of the control panel 160 is discussed in further detail below with regards to the method of operating the drill assembly 100.
[0089] FIGS. 6A-6E depict insertion of a coring tool 149 into the chuck assembly 140. In an idle position, an actuation sleeve 144 may present an indicator 143 that the chuck assembly 140 is closed and cannot receive a coring tool 149. The chuck assembly 140 may be unlocked by pulling the actuation sleeve 144 down, e.g. is a direction away from an auger spindle 141 and spindle housing 142.
[0090] The unlocked actuation sleeve 144 may then be rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (for example up to ninety degrees) to keep the sleeve in an unlocked position. For example, the actuation sleeve 144 may be rotated thirty degrees in a counterclockwise direction. In some embodiments, the actuation sleeve 144 is rotated until an indicator 147 is presented that the chuck assembly 140 is open. Once the actuation sleeve 144 is in an open position, the coring bit 148 or stem 146 may be inserted into the chuck assembly 140 until fully seated within the assembly. Then, the actuation sleeve 144 may be rotated back into the closed position.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 7, the coring bit 148 is inserted into the auger spindle 141. The coring bit 148 may be locked into place with one or more ball locks 145. For example, the auger assembly 140 may include three ball locks 145. The ball locks 145 may be 0.375 ball locks. FIGS. 8A-8H depict sectional views of insertion of a coring bit 148 into the chuck assembly 140.
[0092] In some embodiments, the coring bit 148 ranges from 0.5 to 1 in diameter. In further embodiments, the diameter of the coring bit 148 is 0.75. In some embodiments, the coring bit 148 ranges from 2 to 10 in diameter. In further embodiments, the length of the coring bit 148 is 4.
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 9A and 9B, an embodiment is shown of a hole starter tool 400 that may be used to guide the chuck assembly 140. The hole starter tool 400 prevents the coring bit 148 or stem 146 from moving or walking on the underlying sample, ensuring penetration into the sample. The hole starter tool 400 may include a first aperture 410 sized to receive the chuck assembly 140, and a second aperture 420 sized to receive the coring bit 148 or stem 146. In some embodiments, the hole starter tool 400 includes a colored indicator 430 for alignment with a similarly colored indicator 143 on the actuator sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the first aperture 410 may be tightened by one or more handles or knobs 440 to secure the chuck assembly 140 in place.
[0094] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, a coring tool 149 is provided that is configured to couple with the chuck assembly 140 via a shank 157. In this embodiment, the coring tool 149 includes an elongated body 151 having auger teeth 153 disposed on an outer sleeve 154. The body 151 may be coupled to the shank 157 via a coupling 158, such as an Oldham coupling for example. Coupled to an inner diameter of the outer sleeve 154 is an inner sleeve 155 that includes a bore 156. In the illustrated embodiment, the bore 156 is arranged eccentric from the center axis of the chuck assembly 140. In operation, the eccentric configuration of the bore 156 shears the core sample when the direction of rotation is reversed and allows the core sample to be retained when the coring tool 149 is removed from the soil/regolith in which it was drilled. At an opposite end of the body 151 from the shank 157, the outer sleeve 154 includes a plurality of cutting teeth 176 that are configured to cut through the soil/regolith which the core sample is being obtained.
[0095] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11C, other tools are shown that may be coupled to the chuck assembly 140, for example on a rod 171 connected to a stem 146. In some embodiments, a penetrometer 172 is attached to the rod 171. The penetrometer 172 may be configured to provide a constant rate of penetration into a sample. In some embodiments, a penetrometer 172 may be selected to calibrate the reaction force per depth to the penetrometer's 172 cone geometry to extract a sample.
[0096] In some embodiments, a vane 174 may be attached to the rod 171 as is shown in FIG. 11B. In such embodiments, the rod 171 may be of a shorter length than a rod 171 employed with the penetrometer 172. In some embodiments, the vane 174 and accompanying rod 171 may be attached to the chuck assembly 140 after removal of the penetrometer 172 and accompanying rod 171. In such embodiments, the vane 174 may be buried in a shallow hole made by the penetrometer 172. A steady torque may then be applied to the rod 171.
[0097] In some embodiments, the coring bit 148 includes a plurality of teeth 176 at a distal end as shown in FIG. 11C. For example, the coring bit 148 includes two teeth 176, ten teeth 176, or any number therebetween. The teeth 176 may be situated equidistant from one another.
[0098] FIGS. 12A-13F depict components of the linear stage 180. Two footpads 181 may be secured to a base 222 of the linear stage 180. In some embodiments, the footpads 181 are a single element positioned over the base. In some embodiments, the footpads 181 provide a level surface for an astronaut to stand while operating the drill assembly 100. In some embodiments, the footpads 181 may be configured to operate the linear stage 180.
[0099] In an embodiment, base 222 includes an opening 224 sized to receive the stem, rod, or the body of the coring tool. Operably coupled to the opening 224 is a stem rotation lock 182, as shown in FIG. 13B. The stem rotation lock 182 includes a lever 226 that extends through an opening in the base 222. The lever 226 is slidable relative to the base 222 to move the stem rotation lock between an unlocked and a locked position. When in the locked position, the stem rotation lock 182 engages the stem, rod or body of the coring tool in place.
[0100] The linear stage 180 may further include a frame 228 that extends vertically (when in the operating position) from the base 222. Coupled to the frame 228 is a cable tensioner 183 situated along an upper portion of the stage 180 (when the stage 180 is in an operable configuration). The tensioner 183 may be configured to tighten or loosen a belt or cable 188 (shown in FIG. 13D) operably connected to a carriage 185 joined to a powerhead interface 186, raising or lowering the interface 186. The powerhead interface 186 may be coupleable to the carriage interface 117 of the powerhead assembly 110. Movement of the cable 188 may be aided by a capstan spool 190 and motor 192 (FIG. 12F) situated above the carriage 185. The linear stage 180 may include a handle 187 operably connected to the carriage 185 to lock the carriage 185 in place, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13C. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments, the frame 228 may include pulleys, to redirect the cable 188. In an embodiment, the interface 186 may be moved between a raised position 230 and a lowered position 232. It should be appreciated that when the powerhead assembly 110 is coupled to the interface 186, the lowering of the interface 186 will drive the tool into the soil/regolith that is being sampled.
[0101] FIG. 12D is a perspective view of the upper portion of FIG. 12C with a housing and carriage removed. The avionics card 189 and battery 300 are visible in FIG. 12D.
[0102] In some embodiments, the linear stage 180 may be storable in a stowed configuration as depicted in FIG. 12B, for example. In such embodiments, the linear stage 180 may be foldable into the stowed configuration. In some embodiments, the linear stage 180 is substantially flat in the stowed configuration. The linear stage 180 may be manipulated to or from the stowed configuration by engaging an assembly latch 184 located at a hinge connecting upper and lower portions of the linear stage 180.
[0103] A control panel 200 may be situated at an upper portion of the linear stage 180, configured to operate the linear stage 180. The control panel 200, depicted in FIGS. 13E and 13F, may include a drill switch 201 configured to engage the powerhead assembly 110. The control panel 200 may include a feed toggle 202 configured to raise or lower the powerhead assembly 110, for example by engaging the cable 188 as described above. The control panel 200 may include a power switch 203 configured to engage the battery 300 to power the powerhead assembly 110. The control panel 200 may include an emergency stop 204 configured to immediately cut power to the powerhead assembly 110. The control panel 200 may include a battery display 205 configured to display a power level of each battery 300. The control panel 200 may include a fault indicator 206 configured to indicate an error in operation of the drill assembly 100. One of skill in the art will recognize that the elements of the control panel 200 do not need to be oriented in the manner depicted in the Figures.
[0104] In some embodiments, the drill assembly 100 includes a quiver 194. The quiver 194 bits, stems, and/or other accessories useful for operation of the drill assembly 100.
[0105] Referring now to FIG. 14A, the powerhead assembly 110 may include an avionics assembly including multiple avionics cards 189 configured to coordinate electronic communications within the drill assembly 100. For example, the powerhead assembly 110 may include two avionics cards 189. Each card 189 may be a printed circuit board that may include one or more processors. One or more flexible circuits 212 may connect all components of the avionics assembly. One or more connectors 214 may connect the avionic assembly 189 to the linear stage 180.
[0106] FIG. 14B is a block diagram of operation of the avionics assembly 189. One or more batteries 300 may be operably connected to a power distribution card 220. The power distribution card 220 may distribute battery power to the components of the drill 100, for example heating elements 250. The battery power may be transmitted through a harness or backplane 260 of the avionics assembly 189 electrically connected to the batteries 300 to the control panel 160 and a motor controller 270 and a command and data handling card 280 of the avionics assembly 189. The power distribution card 220 may be operably connected to the motor controller 270 by a motive power bus 221. The power distribution card 220 may be operably connected to the motor controller 270 and the command and data handling card 280 by a logic power bus 223.
[0107] The control panel 160 may initiate operation of the command and data handling card 280, which may include a CPU 281 and a flash memory 282. The CPU 281 may provide operative instructions to the power distribution card 220. The CPU 281 may also be configured to transfer data out of the avionics assembly 189. The motor controller 270 may include a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) 271 configured to power the motor 122. The motor controller 270 may also receive feedback form the motor 122 and the connection between the powerhead assembly 110 and the linear stage 180. The power distribution card 220 may also include a general purpose input/output (GPIO) 225 operably connected to the FPGA 271 and CPU 281.
[0108] Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15Q a method of operating the drill assembly 100 with the linear stage 180 is described. As depicted in FIG. 15A, an astronaut 240 may begin operation by assuming a ready position with two feet on the foot pads 181. As depicted in FIG. 15B, the astronaut 240 may then pull down the actuation sleeve 144 away from the auger spindle 141 and spindle housing 142 to unlock the sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the astronaut 240 may rotate the sleeve 144 into an open position. The astronaut 240 may then insert a stem 146 into the unlocked sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the stem 146 is inserted until fully seated within the chuck assembly 140. As depicted in FIG. 15C, the actuation sleeve 144 may be rotated back into the closed position to lock the stem 146 into place.
[0109] As depicted in FIG. 15D, the astronaut 240 may engage the drill switch 201 on control panel 200 to initiate drilling. As depicted in FIG. 15E, the astronaut 240 may hold down the feed toggle 202 to lower the stem 146 towards a sample. In some embodiments, the stem 146 is lowered by lowering the attached chuck assembly 140 attached to the powerhead assembly 110. As depicted in FIG. 15F, the chuck assembly 140 may be configured to stop drilling automatically when the powerhead assembly 110 reaches the bottom position 232 of the linear stage 180.
[0110] As depicted in FIG. 15G, the astronaut 240 may pull down the actuation sleeve 144 away from the auger spindle 141 and spindle housing 142 to unlock the sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the astronaut 240 may rotate the sleeve 144 into an open position. The astronaut 240 may then remove the stem 146 from the unlocked sleeve 144. As depicted in FIG. 15H, the astronaut 240 may lock the stem 146 in place with the stem rotation lock 182 to prevent further rotation of the stem 146. In an embodiment, the stem rotation lock 182 is engaged by sliding the lever 226, such as with the astronaut's 240 foot.
[0111] As depicted in FIG. 15I, the astronaut 240 may hold up the feed toggle 202 to raise the raise the powerhead assembly 110 to the top of the linear stage 180. As depicted in FIG. 15J, the astronaut 240 may then insert a second stem into the still unlocked sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the second stem is inserted until fully seated within the chuck assembly 140. As depicted in FIG. 15K, the actuation sleeve 144 may be rotated back into the closed position to lock the second stem into place. As depicted in FIG. 15L, the astronaut 240 may hold down the feed toggle 202 to mate the second stem to the stem 146. As depicted in FIG. 15M, the chuck assembly 140 may be configured to stop drilling automatically when the second stem reaches the stem 146. As depicted in FIG. 15N, the astronaut 240 may engage the drill switch 201 thread the second stem and stem 146 together.
[0112] As depicted in FIG. 15O, the astronaut 240 may then release the stem rotation lock 182 (e.g. with lever 226) to unlock the stem 146. As depicted in FIG. 15P, the astronaut 240 may then engage the drill switch 201 to begin rotate of the mated stems. As depicted in FIG. 15Q, the astronaut 240 may then hold down the feed toggle 202 to lower the mated stems further into a sample.
[0113] The method described in FIGS. 15G-15Q may be repeated as necessary until a sufficiently deep core is collected within the sample. In some embodiments, a three meter deep core is collected within the sample.
[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16K a method of extracting a sample is now described. In some embodiments, the method of extracting a sample is performed after the method of operating the drill assembly 100 is performed as described above. As depicted in FIG. 16A, the astronaut 240 may toggle the auger switch 165 of the control panel 160 to reverse the direction of the auger assembly 120. As depicted in FIG. 16B, the astronaut 240 may then press up the feed toggle 202 to raise the powerhead assembly 110 proximate to the top of the linear stage 180. As discussed herein, in some embodiments, the sample is forced into an eccentric bore hole of the tool. When the direction of the auger assembly 120 is reversed, the sample is sheared and retained in the bore.
[0115] As depicted in FIG. 16C, the astronaut 240 may then engage the stem rotation lock 182 (e.g. with lever 226) to lock the portion of the mated stems, for example the stem 146. As depicted in FIG. 16D, the astronaut 240 may then engage the drill switch 201 to unthread the topmost stem, for example the second stem, from the mated stems. As depicted in FIG. 16E, the astronaut 240 may then press up the feed toggle 202 to raise the powerhead assembly 110, and the topmost stem, to the top of the linear stage 180. As depicted in FIG. 16F, the astronaut 240 may then pull down the actuation sleeve 144 away from the auger spindle 141 and spindle housing 142 to unlock the sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the astronaut 240 may rotate the sleeve 144 into an open position. The astronaut 240 may then remove the topmost stem from the unlocked sleeve 144. The steps depicted in FIGS. 16A-16F may be repeated as necessary until only the first stem 146 remains within the sample.
[0116] As depicted in FIG. 16G, the astronaut 240 may hold down the feed toggle 202 to lower the powerhead assembly 110 towards the locked stem 146. As depicted in FIG. 16H, once the chuck assembly 140 makes contact with the locked stem 146, the astronaut 240 may rotate the sleeve 144 to enclose the stem within the chuck assembly 140. As depicted in FIG. 16I, the astronaut 240 may disengage the stem rotation lock 182. As depicted in FIG. 16J, the astronaut 240 may then press up the feed toggle 202 to raise the powerhead assembly 110 to the top of the linear stage 180. As depicted in FIG. 16K, the astronaut 240 may then pull down the actuation sleeve 144 away from the auger spindle 141 and spindle housing 142 to unlock the sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the astronaut 240 may rotate the sleeve 144 into an open position. The astronaut 240 may then remove the stem 146 from the unlocked sleeve 144. Samples collected with the core of the removed stems may be transferred to sealed containers.
[0117] Now referring to FIGS. 17A-17K a method is shown of operating a drill in a handheld mode. As shown in FIG. 17A, an astronaut 240 may actuate the mode indicator 161 on control panel 160 to switch the powerhead assembly 110 to a handheld mode. As depicted in FIG. 17B, the astronaut 240 may insert a coring bit 148 into the chuck assembly 140. As depicted in FIG. 17C, the astronaut 240 may then insert a hole starter 400 onto the chuck assembly 140. As depicted in FIG. 17D, the astronaut 240 may then clamp the hole starter 400 onto the chuck assembly 140, for example by tightening the knob 440.
[0118] As depicted in FIG. 17E, the astronaut 240 may disengage the powerhead assembly 110 from the linear stage 180, for example by manipulating the lock handle 187. As depicted in FIG. 17F, the astronaut 240 may secure one or more dust covers to the area of the powerhead assembly 110 that was secured to the linear stage 180.
[0119] As depicted in FIG. 17G, the astronaut 240 may engage triggers 111 and 112 to begin rotation of the coring bit 148. As described above, both primary trigger 111 and secondary trigger 112 may need to be engaged simultaneously to begin drilling. The astronaut 240 may then begin drilling a sample. After drilling to a desired depth, the astronaut 240 may then flip the auger switch 165 to reverse the rotation of the coring bit 148, as depicted in FIG. 17H. In some embodiments, reversing the rotation with cause a core situated within the coring bit 148 to break off from the sample.
[0120] As depicted in FIG. 17I, the astronaut 240 may remove the coring bit 148 from the sample. The astronaut 240 may then flip back the auger switch 165. As depicted in FIG. 17J, the astronaut 240 may then pull down the actuation sleeve 144 away from the auger spindle 141 and spindle housing 142 to unlock the sleeve 144. In some embodiments, the astronaut 240 may rotate the sleeve 144 into an open position. As depicted in FIG. 17K, the astronaut 240 may then rotate the hole starter 400, removing the coring bit 148 from the unlocked sleeve 144.
[0121] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be noted that the terms first, second, third, upper, lower, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.
[0122] Various embodiments of the invention are described herein with reference to the related drawings. Alternative embodiments of the invention can be devised without departing from the scope of this invention. Various connections and positional relationships (e.g., over, below, adjacent, etc.) are set forth between elements in the following description and in the drawings. These connections and/or positional relationships, unless specified otherwise, can be direct or indirect, and the present invention is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Accordingly, a coupling of entities can refer to either a direct or an indirect coupling, and a positional relationship between entities can be a direct or indirect positional relationship. Moreover, the various tasks and process steps described herein can be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional steps or functionality not described in detail herein.
[0123] The following definitions and abbreviations are to be used for the interpretation of the claims and the specification. As used herein, the terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, has, having, contains or containing, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus.
[0124] Additionally, the term exemplary is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms at least one and one or more may be understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to one, i.e. one, two, three, four, etc. The terms a plurality may be understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to two, i.e. two, three, four, five, etc. The term connection may include both an indirect connection and a direct connection.
[0125] The terms about, substantially, approximately, and variations thereof, are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, about can include a range of 8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value.
[0126] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to making and using aspects of the invention may or may not be described in detail herein. In particular, various aspects of computing systems and specific computer programs to implement the various technical features described herein are well known. Accordingly, in the interest of brevity, many conventional implementation details are only mentioned briefly herein or are omitted entirely without providing the well-known system and/or process details.
[0127] The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments described herein.
[0128] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
