Lightweight Handling Pole for High Torque Nuclear Repairs

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handling poles for nuclear reactor pressure vessel repairs and inspections fail to deliver high torque efficiently, often requiring heavier poles that necessitate crane assistance and are cumbersome, while lighter poles typically fail at lower torque levels, making operations time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight handling pole design featuring a pole section, pole adapter with J-shaped slots, and spade member, reinforced with upper and lower sleeves and pins, capable of delivering over 100 ft-lbs of torque without the need for a crane, allowing for manual assembly and interchangeability with existing tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If heavier poles are used to deliver high torque, then torque capacity is improved, but weight and assembly complexity worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque capacityVSAvoidpole weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pole is divided into multiple 10-foot sections that can be assembled together to reach depths of over 80 feet. Each section maintains a manageable weight while the segmented structure allows for high torque delivery through proper connection mechanisms at the joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pole sections are constructed from composite materials or optimized metal alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the pole to deliver over 100 ft-lbs of torque while remaining lightweight enough for manual handling without crane assistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional handling poles are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but torque delivery capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual maneuverabilityVSAvoidtorque delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pole design optimizes geometric parameters including the J-shaped slot dimensions, pin configurations, and sleeve fittings to maximize torque transmission while maintaining manual maneuverability. The connection geometry is specifically designed to handle over 100 ft-lbs of torque through mechanical advantage in the joint design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If lighter poles are used to maintain maneuverability, then ease of operation is improved, but torque capacity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator dexterityVSAvoidtorque capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pole sections are pre-assembled with reinforced connection joints featuring J-shaped slots, pins, and sleeve fittings during manufacturing. This preliminary reinforcement ensures that when sections are field-assembled, the connections are pre-configured to handle high torque loads without requiring additional field modifications or heavy materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7712189B2High torque small handling pole

Publication Date: 2010.05.11 GE HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for manufacturing a handling pole including a pole section, a pole adapter connected to one end of the pole section, and a spade member connected to the other end of the pole section. The pole adapter may include an upper sleeve and the spade member may include a lower sleeve.