Case Handling Device With Independent Stop Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling cases containing nuclear fuel materials, such as plutonium oxide, are complex and require extensive maintenance, with a high risk of material leakage or damage during handling and transportation, necessitating a robust and reliable solution for safe and efficient opening and extraction of boxes.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with a housing that includes clamping jaws for securing the case and independently biased stop jaws for box extraction, facilitated by a rotating wheel for mobility and gravity-assisted box removal, ensuring safe and efficient handling and processing of cases and boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex handling devices are used to ensure reliable case opening and box extraction, then the reliability of material handling is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is segmented into two independent jaw systems: clamping jaws for securing the case and stop jaws for positioning boxes. This segmentation allows each subsystem to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall device structure simple and maintainable.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop jaws are equipped with elastic biasing means that automatically return them to the closed position after box extraction. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex actuation systems and reduces maintenance requirements while ensuring reliable box positioning throughout the extraction cycle.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If robust clamping mechanisms are used to secure cases during handling, then the safety of material containment is improved, but the ease of case opening and box extraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping and stopping functions are separated into independent jaw systems. The clamping jaws provide robust case securing while the stop jaws provide controlled box positioning. This segmentation allows the case to be securely held without preventing box extraction, as the stop jaws can be independently actuated to release boxes while maintaining case clamping.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop jaws are designed with elastic biasing that allows dynamic adjustment between clamped and released states. This dynamic capability enables easy box extraction by simply actuating the stop jaws against the elastic force, while the case remains securely clamped throughout the process.
3Device complexity
If stop jaws are mechanically linked to clamping jaws, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently control box extraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses two independent jaw systems: clamping jaws for case securing and stop jaws for box positioning. Each system has its own actuation mechanism, allowing independent control of case clamping and box extraction operations. This independence provides operational versatility while maintaining reasonable device complexity through modular design.
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 device provides a simple, robust, and reliable means for opening and extracting boxes from cases, reducing maintenance needs and minimizing the risk of material leakage or damage, while ensuring safe handling and processing, particularly suitable for the nuclear fuel industry.
Implementation Method 1
said stop jaws being both biased towards each other in abutment position by elastic means
Implementation Method 2
the boxes are then extracted from the case and received by the recovery device. Very advantageously, the boxes are evacuated by gravity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for handling cases and boxes contained in the cases, having a housing intended to receive a case, said housing being closed at a first longitudinal end and open at a second longitudinal end, a holding device (14) mounted in the region of the second end of the housing, said holding device (14) having two clamping jaws, said clamping jaws applying a clamping force to the case (E), an actuator for opening and closing said jaws, two abutment jaws (36, 38), each (36, 38) of which is carried by a clamping jaw and being articulated freely about and with respect to the clamping jaw, springs (40) connecting said abutment jaws (36, 38) such that the opening of the clamping jaws causes the opening of the abutment jaws (36, 38) and the abutment jaws (36, 38) may be opened independently of the clamping jaws.