Quick-Detachable Connector Structure for Nuclear Fuel Assembly Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors in nuclear fuel assemblies face difficulties in disassembly and reassembly due to their threaded connection, which is time-consuming and challenging, especially in high-radiation environments, and expanded joints generate radioactive waste during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A quick-detachable connecting device with a simplified thread structure, comprising a top nozzle, connecting tube sleeve, locking tube, and locking piece, utilizing first and second stopping structures for rotational assembly and axial limitation, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without generating waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connection is used for connectors in nuclear fuel assemblies, then connection strength is improved, but disassembly and assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple components: a connecting tube sleeve with external threads, a locking tube with internal threads, and a locking piece. The connecting tube sleeve is screwed into the top nozzle, while the locking tube is screwed into the connecting tube sleeve. This segmentation allows the connection to be strengthened through threading while enabling easier disassembly by simply unscrewing the locking tube and removing the locking piece, avoiding the need to unscrew the entire connector from the top nozzle.
2Ease of operation
If expanded joint is used for connectors in nuclear fuel assemblies, then disassembly operation simplicity is improved, but radioactive waste generation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are designed to be fully reusable. The connecting tube sleeve, locking tube, and locking piece can be disassembled, inspected, and reassembled multiple times without becoming waste. This contrasts with expanded joints that generate radioactive waste during disassembly. The threaded connection structure allows complete recovery of all components, eliminating substance loss and radioactive waste generation.
3Volume of moving object
If small size connectors are used in nuclear fuel assemblies, then space utilization is improved, but disassembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a compact connecting tube sleeve and a separate locking mechanism. The connecting tube sleeve maintains a small size for space-efficient installation in the top nozzle, while the locking tube and locking piece provide a simple disassembly interface. This segmentation allows the main body to remain compact while the disassembly operation can be performed on the externally accessible locking components, reducing overall disassembly difficulty despite the small size.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-detachable connecting device with a simplified thread structure includes a top nozzle, a connecting tube sleeve, a locking tube and a locking piece. The top nozzle is provided with a through hole, in which the connecting tube sleeve is assembled. The locking tube is accommodated in the through hole. An outer peripheral surface of the locking tube is provided with a second stopping structure, and an inner peripheral surface of the connecting tube sleeve is provided with a first stopping structure fitting the second stopping structure. The locking piece is movably arranged on the locking tube for circumferentially limiting or releasing the locking tube. A connection method using such connecting device is also provided.