Canister Movement Assembly Roller Interface Friction Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing systems for transferring and inspecting irradiated nuclear fuel canisters in nuclear power plants require manual precision alignment, exposing personnel to radiation and can cause scratches on the canisters, leading to potential corrosion and confinement breaches during long-term storage.

Innovation Solution

A retractable roller mechanism with a stabilization portion and a canister support portion that includes a roller interface for translational and rotational movement, reducing friction and eliminating direct contact with metallic rails, allowing for safe and efficient transfer and inspection of canisters within a horizontal storage module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If precision alignment method using metallic rails is used for canister transfer, then the canister can be transferred between transfer cask and horizontal storage module, but personnel are exposed to radiation and the canister surface may be scratched

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister transfer operationVSAvoidradiation exposure to personnel and canister surface scratching

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a canister support portion with roller interface as an intermediary between the canister and the metallic rails. This roller interface acts as a mediator that transfers the canister without direct metallic contact, thereby preventing surface scratching and eliminating radiation exposure to personnel who would otherwise need to perform precision alignment of metallic rails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical precision alignment system using metallic rails with a roller-based support system. The roller interface substitutes the direct metallic contact mechanism, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations and replacing the harmful mechanical sliding contact with a rolling contact mechanism that reduces friction and prevents surface damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If metallic rails are used for canister transfer, then the canister can be moved, but scratches are left on the canister surface causing potential corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister transfer capabilityVSAvoidcanister surface integrity and corrosion resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller interface serves as an intermediary element between the canister and the support structure, enabling canister movement while preventing direct contact that would cause surface scratching and subsequent corrosion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs rollers with curved surfaces to replace flat metallic rail contact. The curved roller surfaces enable smooth rolling motion that distributes contact forces and prevents the linear scratching that occurs with flat metallic rail contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual precision alignment is performed for canister transfer, then the canister can be positioned accurately, but personnel are exposed to radiation during the alignment process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecanister alignment precisionVSAvoidradiation exposure to personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The canister support portion with roller interface is designed to automatically position and support the canister without requiring manual intervention. The system performs the alignment function autonomously through the mechanical design of the roller interface, eliminating the need for personnel to perform precision alignment operations in radiated zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The roller interface acts as an intermediary that automates the alignment process, replacing manual operations with a self-functioning mechanical system that maintains precision while eliminating radiation exposure to personnel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution reduces the risk of canister scratching, extends the lifespan for long-term storage, and enables in-situ inspection and rotation, improving seismic stability and heat transfer while accommodating various canister sizes and storage systems.

Implementation Method 1

the canister support portion including a roller interface for supporting and moving a canister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling friction reduction: Roller

Data Source

PatentUS10504632B2Canister movement assembly for transfer, rotation, and/or inspection

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 TN AMERICAS LLC

AI summary

A movement system for moving a dry shielded canister includes a stabilization portion, and a canister support portion engaged with the stabilization portion, the canister support portion including a roller interface for supporting and moving a canister. A method of moving a dry shielded canister includes moving a roller interface from a retracted position to an extended position to engage with the canister; and moving the canister.