posted 07-02-2020 04:11 PM
Does any one know how this particular mechanism works on the working end of the Apollo contingency soil sampler tool? I assume it releases the tool head from the shaft, but I can't figure out how it works.
oly Member
Posts: 1064 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 07-03-2020 12:50 AM
I don't believe that it is used to release the head of the device, as the sampler was folded and stowed with the head attached.
It may be a mechanism designed to retain the sample bag using some kind of draw string, or as a way of closing the bag.
Here is a film of Armstrong training to use the contingency sampler:
There were different contingency sample tool designs used, including one designed to be used while seated on the LRV, which was a detachable head unit. Later missions also used multiple sample bags.
Liembo Member
Posts: 654 From: Bothell, WA Registered: Jan 2013
posted 07-03-2020 09:19 AM
My reason for suspecting it was a release mechanism is because the same thing (minus the loop pull), was present on the modified shaft used for Alan Shepard's golf club head, so I figured it might be some device to hold it on.
Larry McGlynn Member
Posts: 1279 From: Boston, MA Registered: Jul 2003
posted 07-03-2020 02:47 PM
There is a release mechanism on the bottom of the collapsible handle, You can see it on your first photo. It is a two-inch lever with a large (US quarter-sized) circle on one end and a small pin on the other end. There is also a thin strip of metal that acts as a spring when you press down on the circle of the release mechanism.
Once the sample is gained, then the bag was detached, closed and stowed in a bag for transport home. The handle was discarded unless you were Al Shepard.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2549 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 07-03-2020 06:32 PM
To me it looks like the ring has a lanyard attached to a round disk between the tube and the release trigger. This would be there to keep the release tab locked in place (i.e. could not be moved thus the sample bag ring retainer is locked in place).
When it is time to release the end sample bag retaining ring or to change or the head type the the "mystery ring" is pulled removing the small disk allowing the use of the release trigger.
At least that is what it looks like to me. In all the pictures I used to make our replica lunar golf club I never saw this. That would make sense as it would have been discarded.
Great mystery though, thanks.
oly Member
Posts: 1064 From: Perth, Western Australia Registered: Apr 2015
posted 07-03-2020 10:20 PM
It may be a release mechanism designed for use when wearing pressure gloves, however, as all of the lunar surface tools were designed with severe weight reduction and ease of use designs, it appears to be an over-complicated design to affix an implement to the end of a stick.
There are much simpler and lightweight systems to join two items together.
posted 07-02-2020 04:11 PM
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