Mechanical Indexing Shaft for Nuclear Canister Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for canister heads and empty canisters used in nuclear fuel manufacturing are complex and costly due to the reliance on electric motors and encoders for angular positioning, which are prone to breakdowns and increase system size, especially in confined environments like glove boxes.
Innovation Solution
A position-indexed storage device with a basket having cells distributed around a longitudinal axis, utilizing an indexing shaft with cams and rollers for mechanical angular indexing, allowing the basket to pivot by a given pitch without electronic control, and a grab for handling and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electric motors and encoders are used for angular positioning of the basket, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic positioning system (electric motor + encoder) with a purely mechanical indexing system. The indexing shaft with cam profiles and corresponding rollers on the basket creates deterministic angular positions through mechanical geometry alone. When the indexing shaft rotates, the cam-roller interaction automatically positions the basket at precise angular intervals without requiring electronic sensors or motors, thus eliminating device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical indexing system is self-regulating and self-positioning. The cam profiles on the indexing shaft and rollers on the basket work together to automatically achieve precise angular positioning through their geometric relationship. The system uses its own mechanical structure to enforce correct positioning without external electronic control or feedback, making the system simpler and more reliable.
2Measurement precision
If electric motors and encoders are used for angular positioning, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the reliability decreases due to component breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electronic components (motors and encoders) that are prone to breakdowns by using a passive mechanical indexing system. The cam-roller mechanism has no moving parts that require power or electronic control, making it inherently more reliable. The precise angular positioning is achieved through the geometric design of the cam profiles, which maintain their positioning function without electronic feedback or power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical indexing system uses simple, robust components (cams and rollers) that are easier to manufacture and replace than electronic encoders and motors. If wear occurs, the cam profiles can be machined or the rollers replaced without dealing with complex electronic subsystems, improving overall system reliability and ease of maintenance.
3Measurement precision
If electric motors and encoders are used for angular positioning, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky electric motor and encoder assembly with a compact mechanical indexing shaft and cam-roller mechanism. The indexing shaft integrates the positioning function directly into the rotation axis, and the cam profiles are machined features on the shaft itself rather than separate components. This dramatically reduces the space required for the positioning system, making it suitable for confined spaces like glove boxes.
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 provides a simple, robust, and cost-effective storage system that eliminates the need for electronic encoders, reducing maintenance and system size while enabling precise angular positioning of cells for efficient storage and handling of canister heads and empty cases.
Implementation Method 1
The indexing shaft comprises on its lateral periphery cams and the passage comprises rollers cooperating with the cams; when the basket moves away from the indexing shaft along the longitudinal axis, the rollers circulate between the cams along a first path and when the basket is brought closer to the indexing shaft along the axis longitudinal, the rollers circulate between the cams along a second path so that the angular position of the basket has varied by a given pitch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A position-indexed storage device comprising a support (1) and a basket (2) mounted on the support (1), the basket (2) comprising a plurality of cells (4) distributed about a longitudinal axis (X), the basket (2) comprising a central passage (8) of longitudinal axis (X), the support comprising a shaft (26) of longitudinal axis (X), the shaft (26) being housed in the passage (8) such that a relative movement between the basket (2) and the support (1) along the longitudinal axis (X) is allowed, and mechanical movement means for moving the basket relative to the support by a given angle about the longitudinal axis (X) are supported by the inner surface of the passage (8) and by the outer surface of the shaft (26), said mechanical movement means being activated in each cycle comprising a relative movement of the basket (2) and the support (1) away from and towards each other along the longitudinal axis (X).