Clamping Bar for Radioactive Panel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of glove boxes for handling radioactive materials is cumbersome due to the need for numerous clamps, which can cause stress on fragile panels, are difficult to decontaminate, and protrude, causing operational hazards and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A clamping strip with a C-shaped body and multiple regularly spaced clamping screws, a counter-frame element for even force distribution, and a protective tongue to cover screw threads, simplifying assembly and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamps are distributed over the entire periphery of the panel to ensure proper sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly time increases and the process becomes tedious
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual clamps are merged into a single clamping bar that spans the entire periphery of the panel. The bar integrates multiple clamping functions into one component, allowing the operator to secure the panel in one continuous operation rather than installing numerous separate clamps sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping bar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing contact along the entire panel periphery, distributes clamping forces evenly through its structure, and incorporates multiple tapped holes for secure fastening. This multi-functional design replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If the number of clamps is increased to ensure proper sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines what would be multiple separate clamp components into a single integrated clamping bar. This consolidation maintains the sealing reliability provided by multiple contact points while dramatically reducing the total number of discrete components that must be supplied, stored, and installed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If clamps are tightened to secure the panel, then panel fixation is improved, but stress on fragile panels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping bar features a continuous support pad along its entire length that provides localized support at every point of contact with the panel. This distributed support structure ensures that clamping forces are applied evenly across the panel periphery rather than concentrated at discrete clamp locations, preventing stress concentration on fragile panel materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pad acts as an intermediary element between the clamping bar and the panel. It distributes the clamping forces evenly across the panel surface and prevents direct point loading, thereby securing the panel while minimizing stress on fragile materials.
4Reliability
If clamps are distributed around the panel periphery to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but decontamination difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple discrete clamps into a single continuous clamping bar with an integrated support pad, the invention creates a smooth, continuous surface that is easier to clean and decontaminate. The unified structure eliminates the multiple crevices and joints present in individual clamp assemblies, reducing areas where contamination could accumulate.
5Stability of the object's composition
If tightening screws with threads are used to secure the panel, then panel fixation is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support pad serves as a protective intermediary that covers the threaded fastening portions. This design allows the threads to remain functional for securing the panel while preventing direct exposure to the environment, thereby eliminating the contamination risk associated with exposed threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The support pad functions as a continuous protective covering over the threaded regions. This thin film-like structure protects the threads from contamination while allowing the fastening mechanism to operate effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a clamping bar (31) for a panel (29) on a profile (28) of a supporting structure of an enclosure to form an enclosure, this bar (31) comprising a body including a base (42) extended by two sides (39, 41) jointly defining a straight groove (38) intended to overlap an edge of panel (29) and an edge of profile (32) to clamp them, one of the sides (41) comprising several tapped holes (44), each tapped hole being equipped with a clamping screw.