Concentric Docking Flange for Sealed Nuclear Container Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to efficiently dock mobile containers of various diameters in a sealed manner on a containment box, posing challenges for remote servicing and decontamination in nuclear facilities, particularly during the transport and disposal of contaminated equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a counter flange with concentric docking flanges and a center disk, along with locking/unlocking mechanisms and centering caps, allows for the secure docking of containers with different diameters, enabling remote cleaning and protection against radiation exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fixed docking flange design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate mobile containers of various diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The docking flange is divided into multiple concentric docking flanges with different diameters, each capable of being independently locked or unlocked. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate containers of various sizes by selectively engaging the appropriate flange, thereby achieving versatility without requiring a completely different docking structure for each container type.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking device is designed with multiple concentric docking flanges that can serve different functions depending on which flange is engaged. A single docking device structure provides universal compatibility with mobile containers of various diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized docking structures.
2Ease of operation
If all docking flanges are unlocked simultaneously, then the operation is simple, but it compromises safety by allowing unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented such that each docking flange can be independently locked or unlocked through separate control elements. This allows the system to maintain security by keeping unnecessary flanges locked while enabling access only to the specific flange needed for the current operation, balancing ease of operation with security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking state of each docking flange can be dynamically adjusted based on operational requirements. The system transitions from a static all-locked or all-unlocked state to a dynamic configuration where only the necessary flanges are unlocked, improving both security and operational flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If operators manually decontaminate plugs inside a decontamination cell, then direct handling is possible, but operator exposure to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The docking device acts as an intermediary mechanism that enables remote operation. Operators can control the locking and unlocking of docking flanges from a safe distance, and the system provides interfaces for remote monitoring and control, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle contaminated plugs while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated locking and unlocking mechanisms that can operate without direct human intervention in the contaminated zone. The docking flanges can be automatically secured or released based on operational sequences, allowing the system to serve itself and reducing operator exposure to radiation during critical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the sealed docking (14) of mobile containers (42) equipped with plugs (44) of various diameters on a containment box (10). The device includes a center disk (22) and at least one docking flange (20a, 20b, 20c) that are concentric to each other, normally plugging the access opening (18) of the containment box. A locking/unlocking mechanism (24) makes it possible to only unlock the center disk (22) alone or the center disk and one or more of the docking flanges (20a, 20b, 20c), according to the diameter of the plug (44). This arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to clean the plug (44) of a mobile container (42) serving to transport contaminated nuclear equipment.