Control Drum Gear Drive for Synchronized Reactor Shutdown Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear thermal propulsion space reactors require multiple independent control drum drive motors, increasing the risk of failure and complexity in controlling reactor power levels.
Innovation Solution
A control drum system where a single control drum drive motor operates multiple control drum assemblies simultaneously through a planetary gear and annular ring gear configuration, eliminating the need for individual motors and allowing for simultaneous rotation and backup redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent control drum drive motors are used for each control drum assembly, then each control drum can be controlled independently, but the complexity of the control system increases and the risk of failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control drum drive motors into a single drive motor that operates through a differential gear mechanism. This single motor drives multiple control drum assemblies simultaneously, reducing the total number of motors from multiple independent units to one unified drive system, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single control drum drive motor performs multiple functions by driving several control drum assemblies through the differential mechanism. This universal drive system can control multiple control drums with a single motor, eliminating the need for separate motors for each drum and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If multiple independent control drum drive motors are used, then each control drum can be controlled independently, but the weight of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent drive motors into a single drive motor coupled with a differential gear mechanism. This consolidation significantly reduces the total weight of the drive system by eliminating redundant motor components, while the differential mechanism enables independent control of each drum through mechanical means
3Device complexity
If a single control drum drive motor is used for multiple control drum assemblies, then the weight and complexity are reduced, but the control drums may not rotate simultaneously with precise synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a differential gear mechanism as an intermediary between the single drive motor and multiple control drum assemblies. This differential mechanism acts as a mediator that distributes rotational motion to multiple drums while maintaining precise synchronization through its inherent mechanical geometry, ensuring all drums rotate simultaneously with accurate positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The differential gear mechanism provides dynamic control capabilities, allowing the single drive motor to simultaneously control multiple control drums with varying rotational speeds and positions as needed. The mechanical linkage ensures synchronized operation while accommodating different operational requirements of each drum
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
This solution reduces the number of control drum drive motors, ensures simultaneous rotation of control drum assemblies, provides a backup shutdown system, and decreases the weight and complexity of space-based nuclear reactors, while being applicable to both space and terrestrial reactors.
Implementation Method 1
a planetary gear and an annular ring gear. The annular ring gear is operably connected to the planetary gear of each control drum assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A control drum system for a nuclear reactor including a reactor core, including an ex-core reflector including a plurality of cylindrical apertures, a plurality of control drum assemblies, each control drum assembly including a drive shaft, a drum cylinder affixed to a bottom end of the drive shaft, and a planetary gear attached to a top end of the drive shaft, wherein each drum cylinder is rotatably received in a cylindrical aperture, a first control drum drive motor operably connected to a first control drum assembly, and an annular ring gear that is operably connected to the planetary gear of each of the control drum assemblies so that all the control drum assemblies rotate simultaneously.