Modular Structural Panel Assembly for Cleanable Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temporary containment systems for environments like nuclear decommissioning are either costly, slow to install, lack robustness, or are not easily cleanable, and often require large-scale equipment for assembly, making them impractical for environments where human entry is restricted or impossible.
Innovation Solution
A modular containment system using structural panels with integrated support structures, made from materials like stainless-steel, that can be rapidly assembled and disassembled, automated, and designed for easy decontamination, featuring a robust C-strut design and minimal surface area for dust accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If panels are made from fire-retardant Glass Reinforced Plastic and assembled using industrial-scale lifting and manipulation equipment, then the containment structure is robust and integrated, but the installation requires large-scale equipment which precludes installation in environments that limit equipment size
Solution Approach 1:
The containment structure is divided into modular panels that can be assembled in smaller sections. Each panel is a self-contained unit with integrated support structures, allowing them to be handled and installed without requiring large-scale lifting equipment while maintaining overall structural robustness when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure and containment panels are merged into a single integrated unit. The C-strut support structures are built into each panel during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate support frameworks and reducing the overall size and complexity of components that need to be installed, thereby enabling installation in restricted environments.
2Ease of operation
If a lightweight lattice-strut support structure with attachable panels is used, then the containment can be assembled without large-scale equipment, but the structure and panels are separate elements requiring mechanical connection which makes installation onerous, slow and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and panels are merged into a single pre-assembled unit. The C-strut support structures are manufactured as integral parts of each panel, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connection operations during installation. This allows panels to be installed as complete units, dramatically reducing installation time and complexity while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structures are pre-assembled with the panels during manufacturing before deployment. All structural connections and attachments are prepared in advance at the factory, so that during installation, panels can be quickly positioned and secured without requiring complex on-site assembly operations, thereby increasing installation productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate structure and panel configuration is used, then the containment is adaptable to different tasks and environments, but the exposed geometries and gaps provide abundant attachment zones for dust and detritus making cleaning and decontamination onerous and largely impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and panel surfaces are merged into a smooth, continuous geometry. By integrating the C-strut support structures within the panel design rather than leaving them as separate external elements, the configuration eliminates exposed geometries and gaps where dust and detritus could accumulate, making the surfaces easy to clean and decontaminate while maintaining adaptability to different environments.
4Ease of operation
If lightweight panels are used, then the containment can be installed without large-scale equipment, but the panels are inappropriate for use cases requiring containment shields against laser-cutting projection or heavy impact from granulates
Solution Approach 1:
The panels utilize composite construction combining lightweight materials with reinforced structures. The integrated C-strut support frameworks provide structural strength and impact resistance, while the panel materials can be selected for specific protective properties including laser-cutting protection and impact resistance from granulates, maintaining overall lightweight characteristics for easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective shielding function is merged into the panel structure itself rather than requiring separate protective layers. The integrated support structures and panel materials work together to provide comprehensive protection against laser projection and heavy impact while maintaining the lightweight, easily installable characteristics of the overall panel system.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A structural panel (1) for a modular containment system (20). The structural panel (1) comprises a flat rectangular panel (2) having a front side (3), a rear side (4), and four edges (5); four side panels (6), each extending rearwardly from a different one of the four edges (5) perpendicular to the rear side (4) of the rectangular flat panel (2), each having a front edge affixed to the rectangular flat panel (2) and a rear edge; and four rear tabs (8), each extending inwardly from a rear edge of a different one of the four side panels (6), and being parallel to the rear side (4) of the flat panel (2). A modular containment system (20) constructed of a plurality of structural panels (1) is also provided. The modular containment system (20) is formed by affixing the structural panels (1) to one another.