Nuclear Fuel Storage Rack Mechanical Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear fuel storage racks face issues with distortion due to welding, which can compromise radiation shielding performance, and are prohibited from using welding with boron-added stainless steel in Europe, necessitating a welding-free manufacturing method that ensures secure and rigid fuel housing.
Innovation Solution
A nuclear fuel storage rack design featuring plate members with projections and concave sections that engage and fasten using a fastening mechanism without welding, utilizing radiation absorption materials like boron-added stainless steel, and interposing water between cells to moderate neutrons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect plates or prismatic bodies to manufacture the fuel storage rack, then the structural strength and rigidity are improved, but distortion occurs due to welding heat and radiation shielding performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal-mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using bolts, nuts, and connecting pieces. This substitution eliminates welding heat that causes distortion while maintaining structural strength through mechanical connection, thereby preserving radiation shielding performance without compromising structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If welding is used to manufacture the fuel storage rack, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the use of boron-added stainless steel is prohibited in Europe due to welding concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes welding with mechanical fastening using bolts, nuts, and connecting pieces, enabling the use of boron-added stainless steel in European markets while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. This approach eliminates welding-related reliability concerns while preserving the ease of manufacture through standardized mechanical assembly processes.
3Stability of the object's composition
If plates are welded together to form rack cells, then the structural integrity is improved, but distortion occurs and quality such as shielding performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces welding with mechanical fastening using connecting pieces that include bolts and nuts. This substitution maintains structural integrity through rigid mechanical connections while eliminating welding-induced distortion, thereby preserving the precise geometric configuration required for effective radiation shielding performance.
4Manufacturing precision
If a welding-free manufacturing method is adopted, then radiation shielding performance is maintained, but the structural strength and rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical fastening with connecting pieces, bolts, and nuts to replace welding, achieving both radiation shielding performance and structural strength. The mechanical connection system provides sufficient rigidity and strength while maintaining the precise geometric configuration of plate members required for effective neutron shielding.
5Ease of manufacture
If projections and concave sections are used to engage plate members, then the assembly is secured without welding, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening function into separate components: connecting pieces with threaded holes, bolts, and nuts. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (alignment, connection, fastening) independently, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining assembly security through modular engagement of projections and concave sections.
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 design prevents distortion and maintains high radiation shielding performance, securely houses nuclear fuel, and effectively moderates neutrons, ensuring critical safety without the limitations of traditional welding methods.
Implementation Method 1
In addition, in a state in which the nuclear fuel storage rack is stored in water, water can be interposed between the neighboring rack cells as a moderator for moderating fast neutrons
Implementation Method 2
the plate members include projections protruding outward in a lateral direction from one sides (one end edge) and the other sides (the other end edge) extending in an upward/downward direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
In a nuclear fuel storage rack including a plurality of rack cells (1) configured to house a nuclear fuel assembly, the rack cell (1) includes a plurality of plate members (10 to 13) containing a radiation absorption material and stood to form a nuclear fuel housing space (8) configured to house the nuclear fuel assembly, and a fastening unit (14) configured to fasten the plurality of plate members (10 to 13). Each of the plate members (10 to 13) includes projections (16) protruding outward in a lateral direction from one side end and the other side end extending in an upward/downward direction (T1), and concave sections (17) formed at one side end side and the other side by the projections (16). The projections (16) protruding outward from outer surfaces of the plate members (10 to 13) in the lateral direction are fastened by the fastening unit (14).