Apech Labs is offering NASA a Regolith Immune Linear Actuator Family (RILAF). Lunar dust is extremely abrasive and contains particulate sizes that range from tens of nanometers to multiple microns. In addition, it exhibits magnetic and electrostatic adhesion. To date, viable solutions have only been identified for rotary joints. The solution achieves full immunity to the lunar environment using an all-metallic impermeable corrugated flexure to protect moving interfaces, metallic static seals, hard wearing materials, limited or no lubrication, and an all-metallic permeable membrane to allow evacuation of internal atmosphere. With no integral elastomerics or other life-limited items, the product family will enable long term linear actuation on the Moon. The product family is fully extensible to different strokes and output forces to encompass all sorts of mission needs. The RILAF actuator is expected to find usage in lunar vehicles, as well as construction, mining, cargo conveyance, and general utility actuation. Anticipated
Benefits: This actuation technology can aid NASA Commercial Lunar Payload Services contracts, as well as Artemis V to enable lunar surface missions including construction (habitats), mining (digging), and cargo transport. The metallic sliding surface tech can aid deployable structures that require post-deployment motion (e.g. doors), active mechanisms, and potential lunar nuclear reactor control. This tech can also be extended to increase reliability of TVC systems use in lunar landers. The sealing technology can be applied in the clean equipment, medical and downhole markets where static and reciprocating linear seals are common in fluid control devices. While most seals in this market are plastic, Apech Labs sees a market for elastomer-free seals, which allows for sealing equipment at high temperatures or pH environments.
