Mechanical Max-Temperature Indicator for Sealed Radioactive Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to accurately measure the maximum temperature of components within a containment enclosure loaded with radioactive materials during transport and storage, especially when the packaging design prevents communication between the component and the outside, resulting in temperature readings being lower than the actual maximum temperature after the enclosure is opened.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measuring device comprising a mobile carriage, a fixed body with a guide path, and a temperature-sensitive actuator that expands to move the carriage along the path, allowing it to maintain its position without the need for an access window, preserving maximum temperature data even after the enclosure is opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is placed inside the containment enclosure to measure maximum temperature, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but the packaging design complexity increases and access/viewing requirements are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic temperature sensors and reading systems with a purely mechanical measurement system. The actuator responds to temperature changes through thermal expansion, mechanically moving the carriage along the guide path to indicate temperature on the scale, eliminating the need for electronic components, power sources, and viewing windows within the containment enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is entirely self-powered through the thermal energy it measures. The actuator uses the temperature-induced expansion of the component itself to drive the measurement mechanism, requiring no external power source, control electronics, or communication systems within the containment enclosure.
2Reliability
If the containment enclosure is sealed to maintain safety, then safety and containment integrity are improved, but temperature measurement capability deteriorates due to lack of access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for viewing windows, access ports, or external sensor connections by using a self-contained mechanical indication system. The carriage with its indicator moves along the guide path and can be visually read through the sealed enclosure, or the mechanism can be integrated with minimal opening requirements.
3Measurement precision
If traditional temperature sensors are used that require external reading, then temperature data can be obtained, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates after enclosure opening due to temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the temperature measurement and records the maximum temperature indication before the enclosure is opened or before temperature conditions change. The mechanical carriage position is determined by the maximum temperature reached during containment, preserving this data even when the enclosure is subsequently opened or conditions change.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical indication system provides a permanent physical record of the maximum temperature through the carriage position on the scale, which does not change when the enclosure is opened or when temperature decreases, unlike electronic sensors that continue to read current temperature.
4Measurement precision
If a complex measurement system with viewing windows and access points is implemented, then temperature measurement is possible, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple mechanical system with a scale, carriage, and actuator that can be manufactured as integrated components within the containment enclosure structure, eliminating the need for separate viewing windows, access ports, or complex sensor installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it responds to temperature changes, converts thermal expansion into mechanical motion, and directly drives the measurement indication. The carriage both moves to indicate temperature and serves as the reading mechanism, reducing the number of separate components needed.
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 accurate and reliable maximum temperature measurements without requiring access to the enclosure, reducing costs and simplifying implementation, while maintaining data integrity even after the enclosure is opened.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator of the movable carriage, the actuator being sensitive to temperature so that an increase in the temperature causes an expansion of this actuator, the latter being capable, depending on the amplitude of its expansion, of causing a movement of the movable carriage along the guide path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B~3D
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for measuring the maximum temperature reached by a component placed in a containment enclosure of a package loaded with a set of radioactive materials, the device comprising: - a movable trolley (12); - a fixed body (14) defining a guide path (16) for the trolley; - a temperature-sensitive actuator (18) such that an increase in temperature causes an expansion of this actuator, the latter being capable of causing a movement of the trolley towards a first end (16a) of the path; - a mechanism (22) for holding the trolley (12) in position relative to the fixed body, the mechanism being designed to maintain the trolley (12) in any new position approaching the first end (16a), following a movement caused by the expansion of the actuator.