Modular Guide Device for Flexible Lance Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices for flexible lances in steam generators, particularly in nuclear power stations, face instability issues when equipped with high-pressure cleaning lances, making it difficult to maintain satisfactory stability and access confined areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with a transport part featuring rolling means and holding mechanisms, including drive wheels and steering wheels with magnetic elements, and a guiding and driving part that can pivot, allowing for stable movement and precise control through a combination of motorized wheels and steering systems, ensuring easy introduction and optimized stability within the steam generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a guide device with motorized wheels is used to access confined areas through small openings, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but stability deteriorates when equipped with high-pressure cleaning lances
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is divided into a modular structure with a transport module and a guiding module that can be connected or disconnected. The transport module contains the drive wheels for movement, while the guiding module provides stability when the lance is deployed. This segmentation allows the device to be maneuverable during introduction yet stable during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-wheeled configuration to a four-wheeled configuration by deploying additional support wheels from the guiding module. This dimensional change in the support structure provides enhanced stability when the high-pressure cleaning lance is equipped, while maintaining ease of introduction through the compact two-wheeled configuration.
2Volume of moving object
If the guide device is designed to be compact for easy introduction through small openings, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to maintain stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device separates the compact transport module from the stability-providing guiding module. The transport module remains compact for easy introduction through small openings, while the guiding module can be deployed to provide additional support and stability when needed during cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device dynamically adjusts its configuration from a compact form for introduction to an expanded form for stable operation. The guiding module with additional wheels can be deployed when the high-pressure cleaning lance is equipped, transforming the device from a compact two-wheeled unit to a more stable four-wheeled unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide device uses independent motorized wheels for navigation, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanisms of the wheels are merged into an integrated control system that manages all wheels from a single control unit. This reduces the overall complexity by consolidating control functions while maintaining the adaptability and versatility of independent wheel control for navigation and positioning.
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 guide device enables easy introduction through small access openings and maintains stability during movement, even with high-pressure cleaning lances, ensuring effective inspection and cleaning of steam generator enclosures by allowing controlled deployment and precise positioning of the lance.
Implementation Method 1
The two motorized wheels are independently of each other and equipped with permanent magnet elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a guiding device (2) for a flexible lance. The guiding device comprises a transferring part (13) and a guiding and driving part (11). The transferring part comprises a rolling device and a holding device. The rolling device is constructed for rolling on the wall of the housing. The holding device is constructed for making the rolling device contact with the wall in a process that the guiding device moves along the wall. The guiding and driving part comprises a driving system which is constructed for moving the flexible lance between a folding position and an unfolding position. The transferring part (13) comprises a first transferring module (13a) and a second transferring module (13b) which are hinged with each other. Furthermore the rolling device comprises at least one driving wheel (14) which is mounted on the first transferring module (13a) and at least one steering wheel (18) that is mounted on the second transferring module (13b).