Fusion Blanket Module Securing Device with Spherical Compensator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for securing a blanket module to a fusion reactor's vacuum vessel face issues such as additional machining requirements for displacement compensation and weakening of threaded connections during reactor operation, due to manufacturing errors and spatial restrictions.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a flexible support system with a displacement compensator featuring a locknut instead of a bolt, providing a self-locking threaded connection, increased torque capacity, and flexible joints to compensate for angular and axial displacements, ensuring reliable operation and simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a threaded fastener with a locking sleeve is used to secure the blanket module, then the connection is fixed and stable, but additional machining of the flexible support is required to compensate for angular and shear displacements, significantly extending and complicating the mounting operations
Solution Approach 1:
A spherical compensator is introduced as an intermediary element between the rigid threaded fastener and the flexible support. This compensator absorbs angular and shear displacements through its spherical geometry, allowing the stable threaded connection to remain stable while accommodating manufacturing errors and thermal deformations without requiring additional machining of the flexible support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the connection system by introducing a spherical compensator that can vary its orientation and position within spherical constraints. This allows the system to adapt to angular and shear displacements by changing the orientation parameters of the compensator while maintaining the stability of the threaded fastener connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If a bolt is used as the threaded fastener, then the installation is simple, but the threaded connection weakens during reactor operation due to dynamic forces and spatial restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static bolt connection to a dynamic spherical compensator mechanism. The spherical compensator can dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to dynamic forces during reactor operation, maintaining connection reliability while preserving the simplicity of installation. The spherical geometry allows for automatic adjustment to accommodate thermal expansion and vibration.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional machining is performed on the flexible support during installation, then displacement compensation is achieved, but the mounting process is significantly extended and complicated by constant measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical compensator is designed to self-adjust and self-compensate for angular and shear displacements without requiring external measurement and machining operations. The spherical geometry naturally accommodates displacement variations, allowing the system to achieve precise alignment automatically during installation, thereby eliminating time-consuming measurement and machining processes.
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 solution enhances the load-support capacity and prevents threaded joint weakening, enabling reliable operation under dynamic forces and simplifying the installation process by allowing self-compensation of displacements and increased permitted loads.
Implementation Method 1
flexible hollow support designed in the form of rods
Implementation Method 2
threaded fastener is a locknut with a male thread... providing a self-locking threaded connection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of thermonuclear fusion and can be used for securing a blanket module to a vacuum vessel of a fusion reactor. The connecting device comprises a flexible support in the form of rods mounted between an upper flange having a concave spherical surface and a lower flange; a displacement compensator mounted on the upper flange; and a male-threaded locknut. The displacement compensator is fixedly connected to the blanket module and comprises a locking screw and a supporting sleeve, which are pivotally interconnected, a spacer sleeve, and a coupling sleeve with a spherical protuberance. The spacer sleeve is movably connected to the locking screw and pivotally connected to the upper flange of the flexible support and to the spherical protuberance of the coupling sleeve. The coupling sleeve is fixedly connected to a stop surface of the locknut.