Glove Box Handling Device Motor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices for plutonium oxide boxes in glove boxes are difficult to maintain due to direct motor engagement with the pinion/rack system, making manual manipulation and maintenance challenging, especially in irradiating zones where access is restricted.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with a carriage that includes an electric motor with a vertically oriented shaft, a transmission shaft, and disengagement means allowing manual control, enabling manual movement and easy maintenance by relocating the motor to a more accessible upper position, and incorporating a clutch system for vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electric motor is directly engaged with the pinion/rack system, then the number of parts is reduced and the structure is simplified, but manual manipulation becomes impossible and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into distinct components: the electric motor, the pinion/rack assembly, and a coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the motor to be separated from the pinion/rack, enabling both automated operation and manual manipulation when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the motor and pinion/rack is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system can switch between engaged state (for automated motor-driven operation) and disengaged state (for manual manipulation), providing operational flexibility
2Device complexity
If the electric motor is directly engaged with the pinion/rack system, then the structure is simplified, but maintenance becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The motor is separated from the pinion/rack assembly through the coupling mechanism, allowing the motor to be removed and replaced independently without disassembling the entire drive system or accessing difficult-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is pre-designed with quick-release or easy-disconnection features, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly disengage the motor from the pinion/rack system without requiring complex disassembly procedures
3Device complexity
If the motor shaft projects downwards for direct pinion engagement, then the number of parts is reduced, but the motor location becomes difficult to access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of projecting the motor shaft downwards for direct engagement, the invention inverts the arrangement by using a coupling mechanism that allows the motor to be positioned in a more accessible location while still transmitting power to the pinion/rack system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
Device for handling objects in a glove box comprising a carriage (2) for supporting the items that are to be handled, a base (6) with respect to which the carriage (2) can move along a horizontal axis (X), means of driving the carriage (2) along the axis (X), these drive means comprising an electric motor (14) arranged in such a way that its drive shaft is orthogonal to the axis (X) and projects away from the base (6), a transmission shaft (18) parallel to the motor (14), a rack (22) fixed to the base (6) along the axis (X) and a pinion (24) in direct engagement with the transmission shaft (18) and meshing with the rack (22), a drive belt (20) mechanically connecting the drive shaft of the motor (14) to the transmission shaft (18), the electric motor (14) being disengageable and the carriage being movable by hand along the axis (X).