Figure 8 - Alternate Solutions/Brainstorming - 3D Shovel Design 2

Figure 8 is a shovel design that seems best suited for the objectives tah need to be accomplished.  The tapered design allows the front end to "cut" right into the sand without applying as much force as a blunt ended shovel would need.  The shovel would be released using a servomotor, and dig into the sand as the robot moves forward.  Once enough sand is collected, the servo will swing the shovel back into its normal position, thus containing and storing the sediment sample.

Figure 7 - Alternate Solutions/Brainstroming - 3D Shovel Design 1

Figure 7 is a shovel design that could potentially be used to help take a sediment sample.  semicircle design allows the sample to easily stay in when the robot is moving.  However, one possible weakness of the design may be that its untapered front design could give the robot trouble when it is trying to push the shovel into the sand.  The shovel would be released using a servomotor, and dig into the sand as the robot moves forward.  Once enough sand is collected, the servo will swing the shovel back into its normal position, thus containing and storing the sediment sample.

Figure 6 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 3D Claw Design 3

Figure 6 is one of the most promising claw designs. It's toothed design would allow it to grasp onto plant samples easily.  After the claw has grabbed a speciman, the blade directly underneath the claw would cut the stalk of the plan it was trying to capture.  The claw would hold onto the sample until it returns to the operator.  The claw would be operated using a geared down servomotor.

Figure 5 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 3D Claw Design 2

 Although Figure 5 is a promising design, its pointed design would only allow it to grab large samples.  Another concern with the design of Figure 5 is that it would not be able to grab the plant sample efficiently.  To help it hold onto the sample better, the inside edges would be coated in rubber or another high friction material.  The claw would hold onto the sample until it returns to the operator.  The claw would be operated using a geared down servomotor.

Figure 4 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 3D Claw Design 1

Figure 4 would be an easy to operate claw design.  Although the design is simple, its straight inner edges would allow it to grasp onto almost anything with ease.  Like the other designs, Figure 4 would have its inner edges coated in rubber or a high friction material to prevent objects from falling out during transport.  The claw would hold onto the sample until it returns to the operator.  The claw would be operated using a geared down servomotor.

Figure 3 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 2D Claw Design 3

Figure 3 is the 2 dimensional  representation of Figure 6.  The representation gives measurements and a top view of the design for easy contruction later in the process.

Figure 2 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 2D Claw Design 2

Figure 2 is the 2 dimensional  representation of Figure 5.  The representation gives measurements and a top view of the design for easy contruction later in the process.

Figure 1 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 2D Claw Design 1

Figure 1 is the 2 dimensional  representation of Figure 4.  The representation gives measurements and a top view of the design for easy contruction later in the process.