Fuel Element Gripping Device with Removable Carriage Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fuel element handling systems lack the capability to perform both vertical handling and horizontal pushing, making it difficult to safely remove fuel elements and perform remote repairs in case of failures, such as lifting or pushing chain blockages or electrical power supply failures.
Innovation Solution
A fuel element gripping device with a main carriage and secondary carriage that are coupled via removable force transmission means, allowing for uncoupling with a single mechanical pull/push movement, enabling vertical handling, horizontal pushing, and remote operation, thus allowing safe release and maintenance of fuel elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vertical lifting system is installed to grip spent fuel elements, then vertical handling capability is improved, but the ability to perform horizontal pushing and safe remote repair is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vertical lifting carriage and horizontal pushing carriage into a single integrated gripping device. The main carriage performs both vertical lifting and horizontal pushing functions, while the secondary carriage provides additional pushing capability. This merging resolves the contradiction by enabling both vertical handling and horizontal pushing within one device, eliminating the need for separate systems and improving overall versatility for safe fuel element removal and remote repair.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed connection system is used between carriages, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to perform remote repair and maintenance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic connection system between the main carriage and secondary carriage that can transition between coupled and uncoupled states. The force transmission means allow the carriages to be coupled during normal operation for stable force transmission, and uncoupled during maintenance or emergency situations. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both structural stability during operation and ease of repair during maintenance through remote uncoupling.
3Ease of operation
If a complex uncoupling mechanism is used, then the ability to release fuel elements is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service uncoupling mechanism where the main carriage can automatically uncouple from the secondary carriage through its own movement. When the main carriage moves horizontally during pushing operations, the force transmission means automatically disengage, releasing the fuel elements without requiring additional uncoupling actions. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by enabling easy fuel element release while avoiding complex uncoupling mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A fuel element handling system having a gripping device, the structure of which can be pushed in the horizontal position and uncoupled from the handling system if a failure occurs, uncoupling releasing the load formed by the fuel elements and their gripped support and putting them in a safe situation.