C-Structured Containment Panels for Fast, Clean Modular Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary containment systems for workspaces are either costly, require large-scale equipment for assembly, lack robustness, are difficult to clean, and are not adaptable to various environments and use-cases, particularly in nuclear decommissioning scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A modular containment system comprising integrated structural panels made of stainless-steel or other materials, featuring a C-structured design with reinforcing struts, allowing for rapid assembly, robustness, easy decontamination, and adaptability, facilitated by automation or semi-automation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If panels are attached to a support structure as separate elements, then adaptability to different tasks and environments is improved, but installation and removal become onerous, slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the support structure and containment panels into a single monolithic structural panel. The C-shaped cross-section design incorporates both support and containment functions in one component, eliminating the need for separate attachment operations and reducing installation time while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, contains dust and detritus, and enables rapid assembly. The integrated design allows the same component to serve as both the framework and the containment skin, reducing the number of assembly steps required.
2Ease of operation
If a lightweight lattice-strut support structure is used, then installation without large-scale equipment is enabled, but robustness is deficient when large-scale equipment is used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs stainless steel or equivalent robust materials for the structural panels, combining the strength required to withstand heavy equipment and impact with a design that remains manageable for installation. The material selection ensures the structure can resist deformation from heavy machinery while maintaining a modular panel design.
Solution Approach 2:
The C-shaped cross-section of the structural panel provides inherent structural strength and rigidity. The curved geometry distributes loads more effectively than straight edges, enhancing robustness while maintaining a compact form that can be handled during installation without requiring large-scale equipment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate structure and panel configuration is used, then adaptability is improved, but cleaning and decontamination become onerous and largely impractical
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support structure and containment panels into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the numerous gaps and attachment zones between separate elements. This monolithic design provides a smooth, continuous surface that is much easier to clean and decontaminate, while the modular panel system retains adaptability for different applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural panel for a modular containment system. The structural panel includes a flat rectangular panel having a front side, a rear side, and four edges; four side panels, each extending rearwardly from a different one of the four edges perpendicular to the rear side of the rectangular flat panel, each having a front edge affixed to the rectangular flat panel and a rear edge; and four rear tabs, each extending inwardly from a rear edge of a different one of the four side panels, and being parallel to the rear side of the flat panel. A modular containment system constructed of a plurality of structural panels is also provided. The modular containment system is formed by affixing the structural panels to one another.