Automated Under-Vessel Work Platform for Nuclear Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under vessel work platforms for nuclear reactors are slow, require manual operation, and often lead to errors and equipment damage due to the need for technicians to position them manually, causing distractions and incorrect placements during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automated high-speed work platform with a circular rail and orbital track for rotational movement, a remotely controlled motor, and a swappable task robot with additional axes of movement, enabling precise and remote operation, including manual override via a hand wheel, to facilitate efficient and accurate maintenance of under vessel components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of the work platform is used, then technicians can directly control the platform positioning, but the operation speed is slow and errors occur due to distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated computer-controlled system. The work platform positioning is controlled by a computer that receives coordinates and automatically navigates the platform to the desired location, eliminating the need for technicians to manually operate the platform while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the computer automatically positions the work platform based on input coordinates without requiring continuous manual intervention. The platform can autonomously navigate to specified locations, reducing technician workload and increasing operational speed.
2Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used, then technicians can adjust the platform location, but incorrect placement occurs due to distraction from maintenance tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning with computer-controlled automated positioning. The computer receives target coordinates and automatically navigates the work platform to the precise location, eliminating human error and distraction while maintaining full positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the computer monitors the platform's position and adjusts accordingly to reach the target coordinates. This closed-loop control ensures accurate positioning by continuously comparing actual position with desired position and making corrections as needed.
3Productivity
If automated remote control is implemented, then operation speed and precision increase, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computer control system serves multiple functions: it controls platform positioning, receives coordinate input, navigates to target locations, and can interface with maintenance equipment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated control platform.
Data Source
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AI summary
An automated high speed under vessel work platform with three automated axes comprising a 360° rotational horizontal axis, a linear horizontal axis via a traversing trolley, and a linear vertical axis via swappable task robots, which can also add fourth and fifth axes capabilities. The automated high speed under vessel work platform has the ability to drive to a specific location by typing the core location into the control software and can be operated manually via a hand wheel, locally via a handheld pendant or from the control room and has a camera for inspections and verification of the work.