Hinged-Lid Containment Vessel Self-Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The improper disposal and handling of disused radiological sealed sources pose significant environmental and health risks due to lack of suitable containment and transportation solutions, with existing Type B packaging failing to ensure safe and secure management, particularly during severe accident conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact Type B transportation packaging system featuring a hinged-lid containment vessel (HLCV) with a double hinge mechanism for self-alignment and uniform sealing, allowing for safe loading, unloading, and transportation of radioactive waste, capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fixed-lid containment vessel is used, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for loading and unloading waste deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is changed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic hinged mechanism that can rotate between open and closed positions. The hinge assembly with pivot point allows the lid to be easily opened for loading/unloading while automatically returning to a sealed closed position, thus maintaining both operational ease and sealing reliability.
2Device complexity
If a simple hinge mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is pre-configured with specific geometric relationships during manufacturing. The pivot point position, hinge arm lengths, and connection geometries are precisely predetermined to ensure that when the lid closes, it automatically aligns uniformly with the containment vessel body without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
3Ease of operation
If a hinged-lid design is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining seal under severe accident conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates pre-designed mechanical features such as latch elements, sealing grooves, and friction characteristics that automatically engage under severe conditions. These features are built-in beforehand to ensure that even during drops, crushes, or thermal exposure, the lid maintains its sealed position without requiring additional active components or complex control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a containment structure, the containment structure comprising a vessel with an upwardly facing opening defining a periphery; a lid in rotatable and slidable communication with the periphery; and a plurality of rods contained within the lid and in slidable communication with the periphery. Also provided is a method for sealing and unsealing a containment vessel defining a body with a longitudinal axis and a lid, the method comprising simultaneously moving the lid parallel to the longitudinal axis and orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.