Photocomp by Jason Major |
On the other hand, I'm a little surprised that NASA doesn't have a more sophisticated solution to dust buildup on geological sampling devices than "thwacking".
- Sid
Comments and observations on science fiction and fantasy.
Photocomp by Jason Major |
"Revolution is everywhere, in everything. It is infinite. There is no final revolution, no final number.
- Yevgeny Zamyatin
Thwacking is a great way to do things! A more complicated method would just create more moving parts that could break down. Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
ReplyDeleteChris
I gather that the mechanism involves a spring, a release mechanism and some sort of stop - a flange or what have you. The sieve is cocked back, released, and bangs against the stop. As you point out, not a complicated method, and probably very effective.
ReplyDeleteHowever, all of my experience with printing equipment says that movement and vibration are the enemies of technology. Bolts loosen, springs become less springy, and screws creep out of their holes. As such, I probably would have looked at a solution that involved either some kind of electrostatic effect to keep the dust from settling - or perhaps, heaven forbid, a cover.
- Sid