Horizontal-Axis Fuel Element Insert Tool for Blocked Storage Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tools for handling nuclear fuel elements in storage pools are limited by the inability to access cells without vertical access due to blocking elements, such as balconies or cooling pipes, preventing the use of complete storage rack facilities.
Innovation Solution
A handling tool with a support structure comprising a horizontal axis divided into a tool side and a counterweight side, featuring a capture system with a rotating body and crevice to secure the T-handle of the insert, and a guide system with projections for horizontal and vertical movement, allowing access to cells with blocking elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current tools are used to handle fuel elements, then vertical access is possible, but cells without vertical access (due to blocking elements) cannot be accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The tool transitions from purely vertical movement to horizontal movement by introducing a horizontal axis that can rotate. This allows the capture system to approach fuel elements from lateral directions rather than only from above, enabling access to cells blocked from vertical approach by balconies or pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool incorporates dynamic elements including a rotatable horizontal axis and movable capture system that can adjust its position and orientation. This dynamic configuration allows the tool to adapt to different cell positions and overcome blocking elements that would prevent access with a static vertical-only tool.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a horizontal axis with counterweight is introduced to enable lateral access, then access to blocked cells is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A counterweight is introduced on the horizontal axis to balance the tool during lateral movements and rotations. This counterweight system enables the horizontal axis to rotate smoothly and the capture system to move laterally without requiring complex motorized actuation, thus reducing control system complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The horizontal axis serves multiple functions: it supports the capture system, enables lateral movement, provides rotational capability for approaching blocked cells, and incorporates a counterweight for balancing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the capture system is moved horizontally along the tool side, then access to blocked cells is enabled, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A guide system acts as an intermediary mechanism between the horizontal axis rotation and the capture system positioning. This guide system translates the rotational movement of the horizontal axis into controlled lateral movement of the capture system, providing smooth and predictable motion while simplifying the control architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a handling tool (1) of an insert (100) of a fuel element stored in a storage cell (202) with an upper inlet, characterised in that said handling tool (1) comprises: a support structure (2); a capture system (7), a guide system (22) of the capture system (7) and a counterweight (18), as well as a method of removing and inserting and releasing an insert (100) of a fuel element stored in a cell (202) of a storage rack (201) of a fuel pool (200).