Pivoting Pool Cover Mechanism for Irradiated Fuel Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for opening and closing the bottom orifice of a pool containing irradiated fuel are complex, expensive, and pose a risk of accidental damage to the fuel due to their intricate structure and submerged parts, necessitating additional safety mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device with a vertically pivoting frame and mast system, controlled by electric motors and screw jacks, allows the cover to move between closed and open positions, using an elastically deformable member for pressure maintenance and adjustable stops for safety, reducing complexity and risk by minimizing submerged parts and enhancing safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex counterweight mechanism with multiple submerged parts is used to open and close the pool orifice, then the sealing function is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the complex counterweight mechanism and multiple submerged parts from the system, replacing them with a simple cover that pivots on a horizontal axis mounted on the pool wall. The cover is directly connected to the sealing mechanism, eliminating the need for intermediate counterweight components and reducing the number of submerged parts while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to actively open the orifice, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple cover that can be passively positioned by water pressure and manually or mechanically secured. The complexity is shifted from the opening mechanism to the securing mechanism, which operates above water or with minimal submersion.
2Reliability
If a complex winch mechanism with safety features is used to prevent accidental closure, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex winch mechanism with its multiple safety features (seismic interlock, double cable, etc.) and replaces it with a simple pivoting cover system. Safety is achieved through the mechanical design of the pivot axis and the positioning of the cover, which naturally prevents accidental closure without requiring active control systems or multiple redundant components.
3Reliability
If multiple safety features are added to the winch mechanism, then the risk of accidental damage is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the expensive winch mechanism with multiple safety features and replaces it with a simple pivoting cover system. The safety function is achieved through the mechanical geometry of the pivot axis and cover positioning, which eliminates the need for expensive safety components like seismic interlocks, double cables, and complex control systems, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining protection against accidental damage.
4Device complexity
If a simple cover mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain pressure on seals may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the weight of the cover itself and its positioning on the pivot axis to maintain pressure on the seals. The cover is designed with a center of gravity that provides a counterbalancing moment, ensuring that the cover remains in contact with the seals and maintains the necessary sealing pressure without requiring additional active pressure mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot axis is positioned such that the cover naturally settles into a position where the sealing surfaces are in contact under equilibrium conditions. The mechanical design ensures that the cover is held in place by gravity and geometric constraints, maintaining seal pressure without requiring additional force application mechanisms.
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
The solution simplifies the device structure, reduces the risk of accidental damage, and lowers costs by minimizing submerged parts and enhancing safety, while maintaining effective sealing and operation, thus improving safety and maintenance accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable member housed in the mast coaxially with it between two upper and lower parts of the mast and capable of exerting on the lower part of the mast an axial compressive force maintaining the cover under pressure in its orifice closure position
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor attached to a floor in the upper part of the pool, a horizontal screw jack coupled to the electric motor and a horizontal pivoting arm attached to the upper part of the support frame for the mast and capable of pivoting about a vertical axis coaxial with the pivoting axis of the support frame for the mast, which pivoting arm is coupled to one end of the screw of the jack, the electric motor being able to be activated to drive the screw of the jack in translation and cause the pivoting of the support frame for the mast by means of the pivoting arm
Implementation Method 3
the means for controlling the vertical movement of the mast include an electric motor attached to the upper part of the mast support frame, a vertical screw jack coupled to the electric motor and to the upper end of the mast coaxially with the latter, the electric motor being able to be activated to drive the vertical screw of the jack in translation and cause the vertical movement of the mast relative to its support frame between its upper and lower positions
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for opening and closing an opening in the bottom of a pool intended for containing irradiated fuel. According to the invention, a frame (6) of the device is mounted with controlled pivoting about a vertical axis (Y-Y') on a wall (7) of the pool (1) and supports a vertical mast (40) having a cover (5) at the lower end thereof, said mast (40) being capable of being controlled with guided vertical movement relative to the frame (6), when the latter occupies a position in which the vertical mast (40) is substantially coaxial with the opening (3) at the top of same, between a bottom position in which the cover (5) seals the opening (3) and a top position in which the cover (5) is raised to a disengaged position above the opening (3). The invention can be used in the nuclear field.