OS_Polar - concept development

<Rupert>t sent me this the other day.
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Hi Guys


I am attaching some ideas (I hope you can read them- sorry for the low resolution, but we are having serious network problems at the moment- please put up on the Blog if anybodys got the time.)


-) The Leg:
I did some rough calculations on the buoyancy with the dimensions given, and thus placed the foot when it is in the retracted position above the water line. (i.e. allowing it to climb onto sea-ice during the ice formation.) The piston would be above the level of the floor, and could double up as structural points. Where the pistons should be placed in plan is to be decided. I would recommend one on the inner circumference, and two on the outer - depending on how you decide to internal layouts.
I am a bit concerned about the lateral loading on the piston legs in winds and when mobile. It would need to be determined at what weather conditions the base would drop to the ground to protect itself.( Although a gust may hit unexpectedly! ) Perhaps the piston could get support for other rods that contract with the piston.

-) The Foot.
The foot is designed almost like a ducks foot. Side-on - when outside its housing, but not on the ground - it is shaped like a banana. when on the floor it is curved. There are no "mechanical" parts but is hinged on the leg and can swivel in the direction of the long axis (heel-toe) about the short axis. The webbing is a flexible heavy duty material which is stitched to hold the "bones" of the foot in place. When the foot is raised it will change shape and ripple, the material allowing snow or other debris to fall off. Ultimately when retracted into its housing it will flatten to fit in the housing grove. (see section views)

-) The Foot extension
The leg could continue through the foot to allow for an attachment point - perhaps simply a threaded end. To this a rubber sleeve could normally be attached, for standing on solid ground & to protect the thread. Alternatively when mobile it would be the attachment point for skis or tracks.


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-) Dimensions

I have just included some general dimensions that I was working with.
-Inner Radius: 1800mm
-Insulation layer: 200
-Outer Radius: 2000
-Floor Level at 60º off vertical (120º chord)

-Ring Outer Radius: 6875+200
-Ring inner Radius: 3275-200
(where 200 is the insulation layer)


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-) Lighting

The use of natural lighting by means of reflection. Idea being to have light and shadows directed from above. Due to shadows created from other segments of the base, the layout attempts to capture direct sunlight outside of the shadow by having it at the highest point. This means that when the sun is only a few degrees above the horizon all cells will receive direct sunlight. Due to the curvature in each cell no matter what position the cell is in it will always receive direct sunlight.
A mirrored surface (which is curved in one direction) redirects the light. (The straight edge is 45º to the horizon.)

[floor - celling 2100mm]

¿a system of blinds / curtains required - how ?

- Eye level windows optional where required.


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Interlocking cells.

The procedure for merging cells is the following:
- The pistons with there latching mechanism are extended.
- The pistons are manipulated inside the cell, in its "ball and socket" joint.
- The two piston are locked onto each other.
- Each piston is pneumatically pumped and retracts its shaft.
- Dimples help the alignment of the cells
- Once in place the cells are magnetically locked / bolted together

(The "Ball" of the joint would ~200mm in diameter -wall thickness. The dimple size needs to be of a comparable size for ease of use.)
=The central piston above the door could have a longer reach to for "first contact", before secondary less dynamic locking points make contact.
= Possibly only one piston is required, tertiary locking point could just be bolted/magnetically coupled


All my ideas for now....
Rupert

P.S. I will write up the turbine document as soon as I can.
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Rupert>