LUNAR ROVER PROTOTYPE
- Samer Haffar
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 24
Done as a major project for MECH 2412 - Mini Design Project - Winter 2022 - York University
The major issue of climate change has been, and will dangerously continue to affect our global environment, sustainability, and economy. The prime method of fighting climate change has been analyzed and developed over the years, with the advancement of new technology such as robotic exploration. it has become a noticeable method when it comes to sustainably exploring space collecting lunar samples, and so forth, studying those samples would be a major contribution to more understanding of the causes of climate change.
Using the fund of the Canadian Space Agency via the Lunar Exploration Accelerator Program (LEAP). It was requested to start a project to build a prototype of a lunar rover with two main functions: a locomotion system, a robot arm, and the rover’s chassis. With an electric DC motor as a power supply that powers the locomotion system and a 2-degree-of-freedom robot arm. Following the engineering design process, the team started with the problem definition by gathering information and analyzing the needs that allow individuals to understand the importance of the project. Based on the first report, afterward, the team provided three different conceptual designs and by following a strict selection matrix based on the overall project’s constraints and requirements, an embodiment design was delivered and successfully met the project requirements with the given materials. Performing strength calculations and studying the expected performance of the design were the final steps before creating a full working CAD model using SolidWorks, 3D printing it and performing a series of troubleshooting and tests.
In conclusion, the final prototype has met the requirements and worked perfectly, and it would be fair to say that it would be a great example for the CSA to use the prototype, and insert more functions as needed.
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