Radioactive Waste Container Radial Bolt Sealing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage containers for radioactive materials, such as plutonium oxides and salts, lack effective sealing mechanisms to prevent the unintentional formation of critical masses and leakage, posing risks due to their carcinogenic nature and potential airborne particle suspension.

Innovation Solution

A stainless steel or aluminum storage container with a lid locked by radially projected bolts driven by a central cam, utilizing pin and slot couplings, a locking nut, and a resilient O-ring seal to ensure secure closure and containment, complemented by a high-efficiency particulate filter to prevent particulate and fluid leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional storage containers are used for radioactive materials, then the container structure is simple, but the sealing effectiveness is insufficient and critical mass formation cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into multiple independent bolts (at least three radially-spaced bolts) that distribute the sealing force around the container circumference. Each bolt independently contributes to the overall sealing effectiveness, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through distributed functionality rather than a single complex seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking bolts are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned in different states (retracted, partially extended, fully extended). This dynamic capability enables the bolts to apply variable sealing pressure and engage with the container mouth groove only when needed, providing effective sealing without requiring a permanently complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If locking bolts are extended to seal the container mouth, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the risk of critical mass formation increases due to liquid contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainment securityVSAvoidcritical mass formation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A groove is introduced as an intermediary feature in the container mouth that the locking bolts engage with. This groove acts as a mediator that allows the bolts to apply sealing pressure indirectly through mechanical engagement rather than direct contact with the radioactive material, maintaining containment security while eliminating the pathway for liquid contact and critical mass formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is extracted from direct contact with the container interior and relocated to the exterior groove engagement. By taking the sealing action outside the container mouth and using the groove as an engagement point, the system achieves effective sealing without introducing elements that could facilitate critical mass formation inside the container.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then containment reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex bolt actuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidlid operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking bolts are merged into a single actuation system controlled by one lid. When the lid is closed, all bolts are simultaneously actuated through the lid's structure, providing secure locking without requiring separate manual operation of each bolt. This combining approach maintains locking security while preserving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a secure and reliable containment system that prevents critical mass formation and leakage, ensuring safe handling and storage of radioactive materials by maintaining a sealed environment and trapping airborne particles.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient O-ring seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

complemented by a high-efficiency particulate filter to prevent particulate and fluid leakage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS7726507B2Storage container

Publication Date: 2010.06.01 NUCFIL LLC

AI summary

A container for hazardous wastes, such as, plutonium wastes, includes a can and a lid wherein the lid is locked to and sealed with respect to the can by radially projected locking bolts. In order to lock the lid to the can the bolts are cammed radially by rotating a U-shaped handle to place the locking bolts behind a locking rim at the mouth of the can. The bolts are then pivoted to apply an axial force to the locking rim to urge the lid against a gasket to seal the lid by turning a threaded axial force element to pivot the locking bolts on the fulcrums.