Modular Interlocking Test Weight Assembly for Nuclear Casks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test weight assemblies for nuclear material handling, such as spent nuclear fuel casks and reactor components, are impractically large, unstable, and inappropriate for nuclear utility environments due to decontamination difficulties and lack of seismic rating.
Innovation Solution
A test weight system comprising interlocking assemblies with ear members, slots, and rib members that allow for customizable weight configurations, seismic stability, and ease of decontamination, including an inner assembly with a cylindrical body and notched ear members, an outer assembly with an annular body and alignment ribs, and an upper assembly with a disc-like top plate and circumferentially arranged slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If test weight assemblies are constructed of water bags, concrete blocks, or buckets of scrap metal, then sufficient weight can be achieved, but the assemblies become impractically large and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The test weight assembly is divided into multiple modular components (base assembly with first weight, upper assembly with second weight, connecting ears) that can be stacked and configured in different arrangements. This segmentation allows achieving sufficient total weight while maintaining compact, stable dimensions through proper geometric distribution of the modular units.
2Ease of operation
If traditional test weight systems are used in nuclear utility environments, then weight testing can be performed, but decontamination becomes difficult and seismic rating is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts and eliminates features that create decontamination difficulties (such as complex internal structures, crevices, or materials that retain contaminants) while retaining the essential weight-providing function. The modular metal construction with smooth surfaces facilitates easy decontamination while meeting seismic requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular assemblies with ear members and slots are used, then customizable weight configurations and seismic stability are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular assemblies are designed to nest together through the ear members and slot interface, with upper assemblies stacking onto base assemblies in a nested configuration. This nesting approach provides customizable weight configurations through selective stacking while maintaining relatively simple individual component geometries, thus limiting overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A test weight system includes a first assembly having a first body member and a plurality of ear members arranged about the first body member. The test weight system also includes a second assembly interlocked with the first assembly, the second assembly having a second body member defining a plurality of slots. A portion of each ear member extends through one of the plurality of slots.