Implicit lunar dust mitigation technology: Compliant mechanisms

The finest fraction of the lunar regolith, namely dust, poses a challenge for hardware design and operations. Apollo missions experienced equipment malfunctions failures due to dust interactions with hardware. In this work we focus on problems related clogging rigid body mechanisms. We explain causes problem propose solution consisting replacing traditional mechanisms compliant There are multiple methods synthesizing mechanisms, but two approaches most commonly used: analytical topology optimization. paper using gripper as an example, suitability these used in extra-vehicular activities is investigated. doing so, feasibility complaint part mitigation strategies surface projects also demonstrated.