LTD - Lunar Torch Drone

grabcad

LTD DescriptionMy approach is to develop the most cost-effective and compact unit allowing for the highest amount of deployable units possible. In addition I am focusing on a system that is very simple in an effort to reduce the number of things that can go wrong making for a more relegable system. The LTD (lunar torch drone) will use a soft material such as the ones used in photo shoots. The fabric is similar to a balloon that will be filled from a folded empty state of storage, into the Lunar Torch. The rover will extend and retract the wheels on either side of the drone, to accomplish the needed axis movement for tilt. The rotational access of the balloon will be accomplished by spinning the wheels turning the entire drone to face the balloon allowing for the reduction in complexity of the overall system. this approach is to make the most cost effective and reliable system possible. The overall shape of the balloon can either be fixed reducing the design complexity. My initial design allows for two concave lenses one on each side, or just flat if reflecting light rather than concentrating it. This gives the option of two different focal points or two different concentrations of the light. The balloon could also be configured to have as many sides as desired allowing for a wider range of applications, although this will intern either reduce the overall available size or increase the overall weight of the system. I have also included a model that shows a vertical section of the inflated structure allowing for greater height to be achieved. The current design utilizes the top of the drone that will flip out when the torch is inflated, as a solar panel. The surface area of the inflated structure an also be used as a solar panel increasing the available power supply. Additionally the entire torch itself could be a solar panel if desired as solar panels also reflect a portion of the light that is applied to them.With some additional thought the reflector could be erected with wire similar to how the sun shades in your car can twist and fold up or unfold. This would eliminate the need for gasses. or the entire void could be filled with some sort of foam. making it a single deployable system with out the option to retract it. The form of the reflector can be made in many ways by sewing the the two sides together or just by tension from the wire frame if using that method. I think that the addition of a semi stiff membrane on the inside of the reflector would assist in making the surface smooth and enable a more consecutive focus rather than having numerous deviations across the surface.