A system is proposed for packaging material samples on a remote planet (especially Mars) in sealed sample tubes in preparation for later return to Earth. The sample tubes (Figure 1) would comprise (1) tubes initially having open tops and closed bottoms; (2) small, bellowslike collapsible bodies inside the tubes at their bottoms; and (3) plugs to be eventually used to close the tops of the tubes. The top inner surface of each tube would be coated with solder. The side of each plug, which would fit snugly into a tube, would feature a solder-filled ring groove. The system would include equipment for storing, manipulating, filling, and sealing the tubes.

Figure 1: A Sample Tube is shown with collapsible bottom (on the right), sample, and sealed plug.
The containerization system (see Figure 2) will be organized in stations and will include: the storage station, the loading station, and the heating station. These stations can be structured in circular or linear pattern to minimize the manipulator complexity, allowing for compact design and mass efficiency. The manipulation of the sample tube between stations is done by a simple manipulator arm. The storage station contains the unloaded sample tubes and the plugs before sealing as well as the sealed sample tubes with samples after loading and sealing. The chambers at the storage station also allow for plug insertion into the sample tube. At the loading station the sample is poured or inserted into the sample tube and then the tube is topped off. At the heating station the plug is heated so the solder ring melts and seals the plug to the sample tube.

Figure 2: Containerization System includes loading, heating/sealing, and storage stations.
The process is performed as follows: Each tube is filled or slightly overfilled with sample material and the excess sample material is wiped off the top. Then, the plug is inserted into the top section of the tube packing the sample material against the collapsible bellowslike body allowing the accommodation of the sample volume. The plug and the top of the tube are heated momentarily to melt the solder in order to seal the tube.

This work was done by Mircea Badescu, Yoseph Bar-Cohen, Paul G. Backes, Stewart Sherrit, Xiaoqi Bao, and James S. Scott of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For more information, download the Technical Support Package (free white paper) at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Mechanics/Machinery category. NPO-46089

Topics:
Containers Joining Logistics Manufacturing processes Materials handling Mechanical Components Mechanics Packaging Parts Seals and gaskets Storage Tools and equipment
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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System for Packaging Planetary Samples for Return to Earth

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NASA Tech Briefs Magazine

This article first appeared in the May, 2010 issue of NASA Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 34 No. 5).

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Overview

The document outlines a novel sample sealing system and method developed for planetary sample return missions, addressing the critical need for effective sample handling. This innovative system is designed to ensure the integrity of samples collected from planetary bodies, such as Mars, and to prevent contamination during storage and transport.

The core of the system consists of sample tubes with a collapsible bottom and plugs that are used to seal the tubes. The collapsible feature allows the tubes to accommodate samples that exceed their volume capacity, facilitating the insertion of both the sample and the sealing plug. The plug is designed with a groove filled with solder, which, when heated, melts to create a secure seal. This automated soldering method simplifies the sealing process and enhances reliability.

The system includes several components: a sample loading station, a heating station, and a storing station. The storing station houses the sample tubes and plugs, which are held in place by a passive flexure spring system. At the loading station, samples are inserted into the tubes, and at the heating station, the plugs are heated to melt the solder and seal the tubes.

The document emphasizes the importance of this sealing system for future NASA missions, particularly as they aim to return samples to Earth or cache them for later retrieval. By sealing samples individually, the system prevents cross-contamination and degradation caused by exposure to the planetary environment. This capability is crucial for maintaining the scientific value of the samples over potentially long periods on the planet's surface.

The invention is positioned as a solution to the shortcomings of existing sample sealing methods, offering a lightweight, self-sufficient, and easy-to-operate system. It is particularly relevant for missions involving mobile rovers that collect and cache samples from various geographic locations.

In summary, the document presents a comprehensive overview of a cutting-edge sample sealing system that enhances the efficiency and reliability of planetary sample return missions, ensuring the preservation of sample integrity and scientific value for future research.