Pneumatic Lid with Pivoting Arms for Radioactive Waste Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for storing radioactive waste have inefficiencies in lid fastening, volumetric efficiency, and remote handling, making them time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to fill effectively.
Innovation Solution
A container system featuring a lid with pivoting arms that can be remotely operated to engage with the receptacle, optimizing filling efficiency and reducing human interaction risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a planar lid fastened by nuts/bolts is used, then the lid can be securely fastened to the container, but the fastening process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The lid fastening mechanism transitions from a static nut/bolt system to a dynamic pneumatic system. Compressed air is introduced to actuate the lid, causing it to move from a closed to an open position automatically. This dynamic approach replaces manual fastening operations with automated pneumatic actuation, significantly reducing fastening time while maintaining secure closure through the same pneumatic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical fastening system (nuts and bolts) is replaced with a pneumatic system. Instead of manually threading and tightening fasteners, compressed air is used to generate the force needed to move the lid. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual fastening process while maintaining the security of the closed state through pneumatic pressure.
2Reliability
If a planar lid with nuts/bolts is used, then the lid can be fastened securely, but remote handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical fastening system requiring direct human interaction is replaced with a pneumatic system that can be actuated remotely. Compressed air lines can be connected and the lid actuated from a distance, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate nuts and bolts in close proximity to the container. The pneumatic system provides both secure fastening and remote operability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a cuboid container shape is used, then the container is easy to manufacture, but volumetric efficiency decreases due to difficult-to-reach corners
Solution Approach 1:
The container geometry transitions from a cuboid shape with sharp corners to a cylindrical shape with curved surfaces. The cylindrical form eliminates difficult-to-reach corners while maximizing the usable volume within the container's footprint. The curved geometry also facilitates easier access for filling operations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard cylindrical fabrication processes.
4Strength
If a thick lid is used, then the lid provides sufficient structural strength, but the available storage volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid structure is optimized by using pneumatic pressure to provide the necessary structural strength instead of relying solely on increased thickness. The compressed air system applies force to maintain the closed state and provides the structural support needed, allowing the lid to be thinner while maintaining adequate strength. This reduces the volume consumed by the lid structure and increases available storage space.
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 system enhances remote handling and filling efficiency, reduces the risk of human error, and maximizes storage volume by eliminating thick lids and hard-to-reach corners.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of springs are each arranged in a recess (24) in the relatively inward-facing projection (25)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a lid (10) for closing a receptacle (20), the lid comprising: a static portion (18) arranged to substantially match an opening of the receptacle to be closed; a plurality of pivoting arms (11) coupled to the static portion; means (12) for moving the plurality of pivoting arms between a first position wherein the plurality of pivoting arms lie within a perimeter of the static portion and a second position wherein the plurality of pivoting arms lie outside a perimeter of the static portion and engage with a complementary feature of the receptacle.