Motor Unit Alignment for Gear Coupling Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fine motion control rod drive mechanism handling apparatus requires repetitive adjustments to align the gear couplings, leading to inefficient attachment of the motor unit to the motor bracket, as the gear couplings often fail to mesh correctly, necessitating manual visual confirmation and repeated ascension of the bolt wrench assembly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a rotational mechanism for rotating the motor unit and a spring mechanism to press the motor unit against the bracket, allowing for automated alignment and attachment by ensuring the gear couplings mesh correctly without excessive load, thus simplifying the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual confirmation and repeated adjustment of rotational position are performed to align gear couplings, then the gear couplings can be made to mesh correctly, but the attachment operation time increases significantly and operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the motor unit at a specific rotational angle (e.g., 0 degrees) before the attachment operation begins. The positioning mechanism pre-aligns the gear coupling teeth, so when the motor unit is raised to engage with the spool piece, the teeth are already in the correct meshing position. This eliminates the need for manual visual confirmation and repeated adjustments during the actual attachment process, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable gear meshing and reduced attachment time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that detect the rotational position of the motor unit and provide real-time information to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust the rotational angle of the motor unit, ensuring precise alignment of the gear couplings. This closed-loop control system guarantees correct meshing alignment while eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing the time required for the attachment operation
2Reliability
If the bolt wrench assembly is descended for manual adjustment of gear rotational position, then correct meshing can be achieved, but the attachment process becomes repetitive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by equipping the motor unit with an automated positioning mechanism that can independently adjust its own rotational angle without requiring external manual intervention. The positioning mechanism, controlled by the system's control unit, automatically aligns the gear coupling teeth with the spool piece's inner teeth. This self-alignment capability eliminates the repetitive cycle of descending the bolt wrench assembly for manual adjustments, thereby maintaining reliable gear mesh engagement while dramatically improving attachment operation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated positioning mechanism driven by a motor and controlled by a control unit. Instead of manually rotating the motor unit by descending the bolt wrench assembly and visually aligning gears, the system uses motorized rotation with sensor feedback to automatically position the gear couplings. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with automated electromechanical systems resolves the contradiction between reliable gear meshing and improved productivity
3Strength
If excessive pressing force is applied during motor unit attachment, then the motor unit secures to the bracket, but the gear couplings may become damaged or misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the gear couplings at the correct rotational position before the pressing operation begins. The positioning mechanism ensures that the gear teeth are perfectly matched and engaged before any significant pressing force is applied. This preliminary alignment prevents the need for excessive pressing force that could damage the gear couplings, as the correct positioning is established in advance. The spring mechanism then applies controlled pressing force to secure the motor unit without compromising gear integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing a spring mechanism between the motor unit and the bracket. The spring provides a cushioning effect that limits the maximum pressing force applied during attachment. This prevents excessive force from damaging the gear couplings while still ensuring secure attachment. The spring absorbs any excess force and maintains a controlled, appropriate pressing force throughout the operation, resolving the contradiction between attachment security and gear protection
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
This solution significantly reduces the time required for attaching the motor unit and enhances operability by eliminating the need for manual realignment and reducing the risk of gear damage, resulting in a more reliable and efficient attachment process.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism for pressing the motor unit to the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A fine motion control rod drive mechanism handling apparatus attaches a fine motion control rod drive mechanism having a control rod drive mechanism body, a spool piece, a motor bracket and a motor unit to a reactor pressure vessel, and detaches it from the reactor pressure vessel. The fine motion control rod drive mechanism handling apparatus is provided with a bolt wrench assembly, a motor unit attachment mounted to the bolt wrench assembly, for meshing a first gear of a first gear coupling on a spool piece side with a second gear of a second gear coupling on a motor unit side, and a rotation mechanism mounted to the bolt wrench assembly, for rotating the motor unit attachment.