Box-Type Nuclear Waste Cask with Slider Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cylindrical casks for storing nuclear waste are inefficient for accommodating various shapes and sizes of waste materials, and the process of sealing these casks exposes workers to radiation due to the time-consuming nature of tightening bolts.
Innovation Solution
A box-type cask with a rectangular body and lid, featuring a longitudinally elongated top opening and a quick connect-disconnect locking mechanism using slider locking protrusions, allowing for efficient loading and sealing without threaded fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cylindrical cask with a narrow top opening is used, then the structural integrity and radiation shielding are maintained, but the ability to accommodate various shapes and sizes of waste materials is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional cylindrical cask design by using a rectangular prism shape with a large top opening. This inversion allows waste materials of various shapes and sizes to be easily loaded from the top, while the rectangular structure maintains structural integrity and radiation shielding capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a cylindrical geometry to a rectangular prism geometry, utilizing the dimensional advantages of flat surfaces and right angles. This dimensional change provides better adaptability for accommodating irregularly shaped waste materials while maintaining the required containment properties.
2Reliability
If a bolted circular lid is used to seal the cylindrical cask, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the sealing process is time-consuming and exposes workers to radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical bolted connection system with a wedge-based locking mechanism. The wedge-shaped protrusions on the lid engage with corresponding recesses in the cask body, creating a secure seal through geometric interlocking rather than threaded fasteners, thereby reducing sealing time and radiation exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from a multi-bolt system requiring sequential tightening to a single-action wedge insertion system. This parameter change in the sealing process dramatically reduces the time required to secure the lid while maintaining structural integrity through the wedge's geometric locking action.
3Loss of time
If a quick connect-disconnect locking mechanism is used, then the sealing time is reduced and worker radiation exposure is minimized, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex threaded fastener systems with a simple wedge-based locking mechanism. The wedge-shaped protrusions engage with complementary recesses through a straightforward insertion and locking motion, achieving quick sealing without requiring complex adjustment or tightening procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A nuclear waste cask in one embodiment includes an axially elongated cask body defining a longitudinally-extending opening forming an entrance to an internal storage cavity of the cask configured for holding radioactive nuclear waste materials. A closure lid detachably coupled to the cask body at the top opening seals the cavity. A cask locking mechanism includes a plurality of first locking protrusions spaced apart on the lid which are selectively interlockable with a plurality of second locking protrusions spaced apart on the cask body to lock the lid to the cask body. The first locking protrusions may be disposed on slideable locking bars moveable between locked and unlocked positions while the lid remains stationary on the cask body. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators may be used to change position of the locking bars. The cask and lid may include other features such as impact absorbers and lifting elements.