Radioactive Object Holding Apparatus with Radially Movable Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a risk of increased temperature and potential cladding melting during the transport of highly radioactive uranium/aluminum target 'pencils' due to inadequate heat dissipation, especially over extended travel periods without a suitable heat sink.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a central pillar and radially spaced inner and outer segments forming channels to laterally restrain and facilitate heat transfer from the objects, with spring elements biasing the segments for secure engagement and drainage conduits for gas flow, allowing for passive heat dissipation and secure containment within a cask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the apparatus uses a fixed rigid structure to hold radioactive objects, then the object restraint is secure, but heat dissipation is insufficient leading to temperature increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the holding segments movable rather than fixed. The segments can radially adjust their position to maintain optimal contact with the radioactive object, ensuring both secure restraint and effective heat dissipation. This dynamic adjustment allows the structure to adapt to thermal expansion and maintain thermal conductivity pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the radial position of holding segments to vary. This enables the segments to change their contact pressure and positioning based on thermal conditions, maintaining optimal thermal contact for heat dissipation while ensuring secure object restraint throughout temperature variations.
2Temperature
If the apparatus uses a complex structure with multiple segments to improve heat dissipation, then heat transfer is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the holding structure into multiple discrete segments (inner holding segment, outer holding segment) that can independently adjust. This segmentation enables better thermal contact with the object while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by arranging the inner holding segment within the outer holding segment, creating a concentric structure. This nested configuration maximizes the surface area for heat dissipation while maintaining a compact overall structure, effectively enhancing heat transfer without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the apparatus is designed for extended transport without heat sink, then portability is improved, but temperature control becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the holding segments to automatically adjust and maintain optimal thermal contact with the radioactive object through their movable nature. The segments self-regulate their positioning based on thermal expansion and contact requirements, providing passive temperature control without external intervention or complex active cooling systems.
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 apparatus effectively restrains and dissipates heat from radioactive objects, preventing temperature increases and cladding melting, while accommodating objects of varying sizes and facilitating safe transport by ensuring secure engagement and heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the inner segments may be biased outwardly with respect to the central pillar. The apparatus may further include at least one spring element arranged between each of the inner segments and the central pillar to bias the inner segments outwardly.
Implementation Method 2
the segments of each pair are adapted to bear against an object in the channel of the pair to laterally restrain the object and facilitate heat transfer from the object
Implementation Method 3
Each of the inner segments may include a drainage conduit extending between top and bottom surfaces of the inner segment, and the drainage conduit may be in fluid communication with the bore.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for holding radioactive objects includes a base and a central pillar extending upwardly between a bottom end coupled to the base and a top end above the base. A plurality of inner segments are spaced around the central pillar, and a plurality of outer segments are spaced around the inner segments to form pairs. The inner segments, the outer segments and the central pillar may be coupled together to permit limited radial movement of at least one of the segments of each pair. Each pair may define a generally vertical, object- receiving channel arranged between the inner and outer segment of the pair. The segments of each pair may be adapted to bear against an object in the channel of the pair to laterally restrain the object and facilitate heat transfer from the object.