Movable Platform System for Nuclear Pool Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited space around the swimming pool in nuclear power plants poses challenges for maintenance operations, as existing solutions like overhead cranes and mobile bridges occupy valuable space needed for equipment storage and maintenance during reactor operations.
Innovation Solution
A movable platform system that spans the swimming pool, deployable along rails and storable in a compact transport container, providing a large platform floor for operators and equipment storage while allowing maintenance access without congesting the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mobile walkway is provided in addition to the overhead crane to allow operators to carry out maintenance operations, then maintenance accessibility is improved, but the already restricted space around the pool is further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the platform movable along the rails instead of stationary. The platform can be positioned above the pool when needed for maintenance operations and then moved away or removed to restore space access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing maintenance accessibility only when required, rather than permanently occupying space.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is divided into multiple separable modules that can be assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the platform to be deployed for maintenance operations and then broken down for storage or removal, enabling space to be recovered when the platform is not in use while still providing adequate workspace when deployed.
2Area of stationary object
If a platform is made deployable and storable in a compact transport container, then space utilization is improved, but the platform floor area available for operators and equipment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into multiple modular sections that can be collapsed or disassembled into a compact configuration for storage in transport containers. When deployed, these modules assemble to form a large platform floor area. This segmentation enables the platform to provide adequate workspace when needed while occupying minimal space during storage and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform modules are designed to nest within each other or collapse into a compact form factor that fits inside standard transport containers. This nesting capability allows the large platform structure to be stored in a small space, resolving the contradiction between providing adequate floor area and maintaining compact storability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a platform that is configured to span a pool (4) of a nuclear power plant, being movable along two parallel rails (6) disposed on either side of the pool (4). The platform comprises at least one platform module (16) having a module floor (18) defining at least one portion of a platform floor (14) and two sets of guides (20) for interacting with the rails (6) for guiding the platform along said rails (6). Each platform module can be extended so as to vary the spacing between the two sets of guides (20) of the platform module (16), the two sets of guides (20) being brought together in a storage configuration and separated in a use configuration.