Nuclear Reactor Control Rod Position Indication Reed Switch Inclination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control rod position indication systems in nuclear reactors face reliability issues due to varying physical conditions, leading to undefined switching states in reed switches, especially when the reed switches are neither surely open nor closed.
Innovation Solution
The reed switches' longitudinal axis is inclined relative to the permanent magnet's north-south axis at an angle between 15 to 65 degrees, particularly around 35 degrees, to improve detection accuracy by accounting for interfering magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If reed switches are arranged perpendicular or parallel to the north-south axis of the permanent magnet, then the installation is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates due to undefined switching states in varying physical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the reed switches from perpendicular or parallel alignment to an inclined arrangement at a specific angle (15-65 degrees) relative to the north-south axis of the permanent magnet. This parameter change optimizes the magnetic field interaction, ensuring that the reed switches operate in a stable switching state that is less sensitive to variations in physical conditions such as temperature and radiation, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining installation feasibility
2Device complexity
If reed switches are arranged in conventional orientations, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability deteriorates due to position ranges with undefined switching status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the orientation parameter of the reed switches to an inclined arrangement at 15-65 degrees relative to the permanent magnet's north-south axis. This change eliminates position ranges with undefined switching status by ensuring stable magnetic field interaction, thereby significantly improving the reliability of position indication without substantially increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical alignment approach (perpendicular or parallel arrangement) with an optimized angular configuration. This substitution creates a more robust system that is less sensitive to mechanical tolerances and environmental variations, improving reliability while maintaining structural simplicity
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
This arrangement significantly reduces the position range with undefined switching status, enhancing the system's reliability and accuracy by effectively managing stray fields and varying operating conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A number of reed switches are arranged around the path of movement in order to be switched by the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet when passing by
Implementation Method 2
A reed switch is an electrical switch operated by an applied magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A control rod position indication system is for a nuclear reactor with a reactor core and at least one control rod which is movable along a linear path of movement for controlling reactivity of the core. The system includes a permanent magnet mounted on the control rod or a corresponding drive rod, and a number of reed switches arranged around the path of movement in order to be switched by a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet when passing by. The permanent magnet has a north-south axis whose orientation is constant during movement, and the respective reed switch has a number of reed contacts which are aligned along a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of at least one reed switch is inclined relative to the north-south axis of the permanent magnet, and the angle of inclination has an absolute value within a range from 15 to 65 degrees.