The first design input outlined in the competition rules stated that maximum deflection could be no more than 10% of the unloaded wheel diameter at the maximum load. Our worst case scenario - which placed a 160N static point-load on one member of a tread section - caused a deflection of <1%.

The competition mission statement requested that wheels were designed to to be packed for transport at 50% of their unpacked volume. My team’s design allowed for the wheel to collapse to 49.5% of its deployed volume; this volume calculation allowed for a over-engineered hub, which could be re-designed to better fit client needs.

The most unique design input defined by the competition organizers was that of sample collection. According to the competition, the wheel had to have a “mechanism that could be used to sample soil” as it moves; the collection could involve continuous or on-demand sampling.

Our sample collection system used curved, hollow spokes to transport lunar regolith from scoops located within the treads to a collection core within the hub - a design choice only made possible through additive manufacturing.

Though aerospace designs often put safety and function concerns above frugality, economic viability was still a consideration that was referenced throughout my team’s design process. Our final per-wheel estimate came to around $10,000. These costs could be more than made up for in the value they provided to the client. The value propositions include ease of assembly, allowance for multitasking during data gathering, and rapid soil mapping of the lunar surface.