Nuclear Control Rod Unlatching Tool With Worm Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for unlatching control rod blades in nuclear reactors are cumbersome and require direct access to the D-handle, which can be challenging due to the complex geometry and heavy equipment involved.
Innovation Solution
An unlatching tool comprising a baseplate, guide members, A-frames, a stepper motor, worm drive, cable reel, and a treble hook with foldable fingers, which allows for precise positioning and engagement with the control rod D-handle using hydraulic fluid and a rotary union, enabling efficient unlatching without direct manual access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct manual access to the D-handle is used for unlatching, then the operation is simple, but it requires complex geometry navigation and heavy equipment handling that reduces safety and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an unlatching tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the control rod D-handle. This tool includes a baseplate with guide members that navigate the complex geometry, a worm drive mechanism for controlled rotation, and a hook with foldable fingers that engage the D-handle. The intermediary tool eliminates the need for direct manual access while maintaining operational simplicity and improving safety through remote operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical operation with a automated mechanical system. The worm drive mechanism converts rotational motion from the cable reel into controlled rotation of the D-handle, while the foldable fingers provide automated engagement and disengagement. This mechanical substitution allows for more precise control and reduces the physical burden on operators.
2Reliability
If remote operation is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unlatching tool is segmented into distinct functional modules: a baseplate with guide members for positioning, a worm drive mechanism for rotation control, a cable reel for actuation, and a hook with foldable fingers for engagement. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently analyzed or maintained. This segmentation manages complexity by breaking down the overall system into manageable components with clear interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The baseplate serves multiple functions: it provides a stable mounting platform, incorporates guide members for navigation through complex geometry, and supports the worm drive mechanism. The hook structure also serves dual purposes by providing both engagement with the D-handle and a means for attachment to the cable reel. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby managing overall device complexity.
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 tool facilitates safe and efficient unlatching of control rod blades by allowing remote operation and precise engagement with the D-handle, reducing manual labor and improving safety by minimizing direct interaction with heavy equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a worm drive attached to the first frame, a cable reel shaft attached to the worm drive
Implementation Method 2
using hydraulic fluid and a rotary union
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an unlatching tool (100) that may be used to unlatch a control rod from a control drive. The unlatching tool may include a baseplate (110), a first guide member (120) and a second guide member (125) attached to the baseplate (110), a first frame (140A) and a second frame (140B) attached to the baseplate (110), a stepper motor (155) attached to the first frame (140A), a worm drive (150) attached to the first frame (140A), a cable reel shaft (400) attached to the first and second frame (140A,140B), a hose (200) wrapped around the cable reel shaft (400), and a hook (180) attached to a first end of the hose (200). The hook (180) may include a cylindrical sleeve (182) having at least one finger (184,185,186) configured to fold and unfold. Disclosed also is a method of unlatching a control rod from a control drive.