virtools

Universal Event | Virtual Planetary Exploration v2.0

Quick release Adapter

High-Level Project Summary

For future human explorations, tools are needed to fulfill tasks.These tasks often need various tools to be accomplished. Our idea is to make it quick and easy for explorers to switch between utilities at any given time whilst not cutting down on features. To achieve this goal we propose a small quick connect and release mechanism. Through the design of the system the tolerance to contamination is very high so that it does not have to be thoroughly cleaned after dust and other material gets into the system. The simple mechanism enables the use of a variety of modules to be carried by the user, such as flashlights or various sensors. The explorer is equipped for multiple different situations.

Link to Project "Demo"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tygmOsd7fK4

Link to Final Project

https://virtools-1a578.web.app/

Detailed Project Description

Usage

This proposed concept enables the astronaut to use tools while having no occupied hands to enable multitasking.

The variety of tools can be expanded at will, enabling unlimited use cases. From pressure measurements and cameras to distance measurements and geiger-counters anything is possible. In our example, buttons on top of the module can toggle the instruments and at the same time deliver a visual feedback with the help of a LED. Measured values can be displayed on the LCD-display, located at the top back of the tool. It is possible to transmit power and data with connectors inside the locking mechanism to be able to use power from the space suit or exchange data either way. The rigid design of the locking mechanism allows for mounting of heavier utility as well.

The locking mechanism

The design of the locking mechanism is based on the structure and limitations of space suits. Because of the thick protective layers, movement and handling accuracy is very limited. Therefore the connection needs to be easy to use and no big movements should be necessary to secure or loosen it.

We decided to go with a 90 degree threaded mechanism which can withstand sufficient amounts of force and is easy and quick to use. The direction of the thread is dependent on the body side it is applied to. On the right side for example a leftwards thread should be used to further prevent accidental detachment of the modules.

Additionally it has to be very resiliant to contamination through dust and particles as well as environmental influences such as moisture or temperature. By turning the module into the thread, the connector pushes down a spring loaded metal plate, which in turn reveals the metal connectors for data and power lines. After the 90 degree turn, the spring presses a hook into a small cavity in the thread, securing the device firmly in place. To release the device, pressure needs to be applied from the top and with a slight turn in the opposite direction, the module is released.

The concept:

Tools used

For the presentation of our product we chose artificial reality. Through modern machine learning algorithms we tracked the orientation of the hand therefore enabling an immersive experience for the viewer.

For this, tensorflow was used to enable the visualization.

The 3D models were constructed through Fusion 360 from Autodesk.

Next Steps

Our next move in the pursuit of this product is the further development of the mechanism to ensure usability. In this step we would want to move from the conceptualization phase to first real models. These 3D-printed models would be a milestone at which we can consider if the mechanism is a viable solution, or if further development is needed.

After the needed iterations the mechanism itself is developed and could be implemented into other solutions.

Next in our timeline is the fabrication of a number of models to use in real life situations, such as gardening, trekking and geocaching.

Space Agency Data

The press kits from Apollo 16 and 17 gave us an insight into the tools being used and possible applications of future tool concepts. Looking at instruments of Mars rovers and probes like InSight, we realised that even simple everyday instruments are vital in alien environments. Sensors like the thermometer, pressure gauge and a distance measure are a necessity when it comes to extravehicular activities.

We noticed that a lot of tools need to be at hand for exploring other planets. Be it for self use during an EVA or quick and reliable data for monitoring and ensuring the safety of the astronaut.

For the visualization we used a pre-designed arm of Robonaut 2, from the NASA 3D Resources website.

Hackathon Journey

How would you describe your Space Apps experience?

Our Space Apps experience was filled with ups and downs, but we always stayed positive and looked forward to our goals.

What did you learn?

This Hackathon was a great possibility to dive into different areas we never experienced before, varying from 3D-modelling to animated computer graphics.

What inspired your team to choose this challenge?

We are a team of people with different backgrounds. We have an aerospace student, two computer science students, and one business administration student. It was very difficult for us to find a solution that matches all of our skills, but then we found the “Virtual Planetary exploration V2.0” challenge. This challenge helped us to unite, and to apply our individual and unique skills.

What was your approach to developing this project?

The very first and very important step was brainstorming. Before thinking about a problem, each of us said what we want to achieve, what our goals are, and which of our skills we want to utilize and to show off in the project. By having this information summarized, it was easy to come up with a solution that everyone could work on. The aerospace student got to improve his modelling skills. The two computer science students wanted to work with AI and frontend development. The business administration student wanted to dive into the other students’ specialization and was ready to work on modelling and programming, and of course marketing. Like that we came up with our current project idea: a modular system of highly interchangeable and individualised toolsets. All of us could work on this project together.

How did your team resolve setbacks and challenges?

No matter how carefully you plan, schedule or prepare, bumps on the road are inevitable. We experienced a lot of setbacks, challenges, failures and even surprises.

To avoid being stuck on a problem, we kept our goals firm. We had to keep in mind that we only have 48 hours to finish our project, so it is natural to not complete everything we set out to do. Our main motto is quality above quantity. We wanted to create a good, efficient, and detailed solution instead of implementing features that will hardly have any functionality and do not work. So each time we encountered a problem we set a deadline, until which we had time to solve it. We never worked on a problem alone, but in a group of at least 2 people. Like that we had a minimum of 2 points of view on the problem and increased our chances of solving it. When the deadline was near and we still hadn’t found the best and most efficient solution, we reduced the goal to a subgoal that was already implemented.

Like that, we could resolve all our setbacks and solve the challenges to achieve the solution we have now.