Flexible Conductive Hinge for High Current Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically conductive devices with rigid elements are inadequate for applications where precise movement and variable orientation are required, such as in vitrification of radioactive waste, due to imprecision in remote manipulation and potential for position errors and energy loss.
Innovation Solution
A conductive device with flexible metal tubes brazed to rigid sections, forming a hinge that deforms to follow movements, and a joint support system to prevent accidental displacement, allowing for both electrical and hydraulic connection while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rigid conductive elements are used to maintain structural integrity and precise positioning, then the device can maintain stable electrical connection and structural strength, but the device cannot accommodate movements and position adjustments required in applications like vitrification of radioactive waste
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive device is divided into multiple rigid sections that can be independently positioned and connected. Each section maintains structural integrity while the assembly as a whole can accommodate movements through the joint support mechanism that connects these segmented sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible elements are used to accommodate movements, then the device can follow position changes, but the flexible elements may break due to accidental displacements and excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The joint support device provides a controlled degree of freedom that allows the flexible elements to deform dynamically within safe limits. The support mechanism guides the movement and prevents excessive or accidental displacements that would cause breakage, while still permitting the necessary position adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If remote manipulation is used to position the device behind the biological protection wall, then the device can be installed in inaccessible locations, but the positioning precision is insufficient to avoid errors
Solution Approach 1:
The joint support device allows for adjustment of positional parameters (orientation and angle) after initial remote installation. This enables coarse positioning via remote manipulation followed by fine-tuning of the sections' relative positions to achieve the required precision for avoiding radiation leaks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If metal braids or flexible elements are used for electrical connection, then the device can accommodate movements, but these elements are not watertight and do not allow cooling liquid to circulate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elements are designed to serve dual functions: electrical conduction and hydraulic connection. The same flexible metal tubes that provide electrical continuity between sections are configured to allow cooling liquid circulation, eliminating the need for separate flexible conduits and simplifying the overall structure.
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
Enables precise and flexible electricity transmission with reduced energy loss and enhanced durability, suitable for applications involving movement and cooling, while preventing radiation leakage and maintaining electrical insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible elements ensure the conduction of electricity between the sections
Implementation Method 2
the flexible elements are metal tubes brazed to the sections of the conductive element
Implementation Method 3
the sections have to be cooled by a liquid: the tubes then serve not only for the electrical connection but for the hydraulic connection in joining channels of the sections where this liquid circulates
Implementation Method 4
an electromagnetic shielding cover comprising a surface external adjustment and which surrounds the third section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~(2C)
Figure 3
AI summary
The device for transporting electricity comprises extension-wise copper rigid conductors (18), and also a union (17) comprising a network of pliable elements (23), such as brazed tubes with cooling channels (20, 22) for the conductors (18), which allows angular offsets between the successive sections (15, 16) and hence gives a flexibility that absorbs small displacements of the device. A device for manoeuvring by lifting (26, 27) is conjoined to the sections (15, 16). The sections (15, 16) may be joined to other elements of the device by connections having jaws allowing slippage.