Electrode Exchange Device for Nuclear Fuel Rod Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrode change devices for nuclear fuel rod manufacturing are laborious and pose a risk of glove tearing due to the pointed nature of the electrodes, potentially leading to contamination in glove boxes during manual handling and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A device with a receptacle for used electrodes that allows for secure separation and disposal without direct handling of the electrode, featuring a vertical positioning mechanism and a shutter system to facilitate the introduction and removal of new electrodes without direct contact with the sharpened end, reducing the risk of glove damage and contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling of electrodes is used, then the operator can directly control the electrode replacement process, but the risk of glove tearing and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the electrode replacement device with receptacle) that mediates between the operator and the electrode. The operator manipulates the device through glove-compatible interfaces, and the device handles the electrode, preventing direct contact between the operator's gloves and the electrode's sharp end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hazardous function (handling the sharp electrode end) from the operator's direct manual manipulation. The electrode is removed from the operator's direct control and placed into a dedicated receptacle system that contains and guides it safely.
2Device complexity
If direct manual insertion of electrode is used, then the insertion process is simple, but the operator must handle the sharpened end which may tear gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as an intermediary that receives the electrode through a controlled interface. The sharpened end is directed into the receptacle through a guided path, eliminating the need for the operator to manually guide the sharp end while maintaining a relatively simple insertion motion.
3Ease of operation
If the electrode holder is held horizontally, then the electrode can be easily accessed, but the used electrode must be manually handled and disposed of
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation from horizontal to vertical, utilizing the vertical dimension for gravity-assisted electrode disposal. The receptacle is positioned vertically below the electrode holder, allowing used electrodes to fall into the receptacle under gravity, eliminating manual handling for disposal.
4Reliability
If multiple handling steps are used for electrode replacement, then the electrode can be securely managed, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the electrode holder, the replacement mechanism, and the disposal receptacle are combined into one unit. This allows the operator to perform insertion, replacement, and disposal operations through a unified sequence of actions rather than separate manual handling steps.
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 device simplifies the electrode change process, minimizes direct contact with the sharpened electrode, and reduces the risk of glove tearing, ensuring operator safety and maintaining containment integrity during the handling of electrodes in glove boxes.
Implementation Method 1
the fall by gravity of the used electrode in the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for removing an electrode from an electrode holder and/or for mounting an electrode in an electrode holder, said electrode holder forming part of a welding device, said device comprising a receptacle for used electrodes, which is provided with an opening and an assembly mounted on said opening, said assembly including a passage (7) through a longitudinal axis (X) connecting a recess (46), for receiving one end of the electrode holder which forms a mandrel, and the receptacle, said longitudinal axis (X) being intended to be substantially vertical, means (46) for clamping or unclamping a mandrel of the electrode holder, means (54) for rigidly connecting the electrode to said device and means (28) for allowing or not allowing the used electrode to be inserted into the receptacle.