Universal Clamping Jig for Nuclear Fuel Spacer Grid Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamping jigs for inspecting spacer grids in nuclear fuel assemblies are limited to specific types and sizes, requiring individual mounting and measurement, leading to extended inspection times and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A clamping jig system with adjustable holding recesses, supporting means, clamping means, and resilient means that allows for precise and firm clamping of various spacer grids on a measurement stage, enabling multiple grids to be inspected simultaneously using a non-contact three-dimensional measurer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing jigs are used to clamp spacer grids, then a specific type or size of spacer grid can be clamped, but only one spacer grid can be mounted and measured at a time, leading to extended inspection time and reduced inspection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jig is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types and sizes of spacer grids through adjustable clamping positions and modular components. The frame includes multiple holding recesses that can be configured to match different grid dimensions, allowing the same jig to function with various spacer grid designs without requiring dedicated jigs for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jig is divided into separate modular components including the frame, holding recesses, clamping means, and resilient means. This segmentation allows individual components to be adjusted or reconfigured for different spacer grid types while maintaining the overall clamping function, enabling both versatility and simultaneous inspection of multiple grids.
2Loss of time
If multiple spacer grids are inspected simultaneously, then inspection time is reduced, but the clamping jig must securely maintain the horizontal state of each grid
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient means automatically adjust to apply appropriate clamping force to each spacer grid inserted into the holding recesses. The resilient components self-regulate to maintain consistent horizontal positioning without requiring manual adjustment for each grid, ensuring reliable positioning while enabling simultaneous inspection of multiple grids.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping jig is pre-configured with holding recesses and clamping mechanisms positioned to automatically engage and secure spacer grids in the correct horizontal orientation upon insertion. This preliminary arrangement ensures that each grid is immediately and reliably positioned for inspection without requiring additional adjustment steps.
3Measurement precision
If a non-contact three-dimensional measurer is used for inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but the spacer grids must be firmly clamped on a measurement stage moving at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jig incorporates resilient means that can dynamically adjust clamping force to secure spacer grids firmly during high-speed movement of the measurement stage. The resilient components absorb vibrations and maintain consistent clamping pressure throughout the inspection process, ensuring both secure positioning and measurement precision at high speeds.
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 system enables efficient inspection of multiple spacer grids at once, improving work efficiency by securely maintaining the horizontal state of each grid and accommodating various types and sizes, thus reducing inspection time and increasing precision.
Implementation Method 1
resilient means installed at sides of the holding recess opposite to the clamping means and resiliently supporting the other two sides of each spacer grid
Data Source
AI summary
In a clamping jig and system for inspecting spacer grids for a nuclear fuel assembly, the jig firmly and precisely clamps a variety of grids on a measurement stage moving at high speed so that, among constituent parts of the nuclear fuel assembly, the spacer grids can be inspected using a non-contact measurer. The clamping jig includes a frame having a plurality of holding recesses into which the corresponding spacer grids are inserted, supporting means mounted in each holding recess of the frame to allow each spacer grid to be adjusted from below so it can be maintained in a horizontal state, clamping means installed around each holding recess to clamp two adjacent sides of each spacer grid to a corner of the respective holding recess, and resilient means installed on the sides opposite the clamping means and resiliently supporting the other two sides of each spacer grid.