Removable Handling Structure for Radioactive Material Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packages for transporting and storing radioactive materials face mechanical adjustment problems during transport due to handling members, which represent weak points requiring costly reinforcement for safety, and existing removable handling structures lack robustness and ease of assembly/disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A removable handling structure with a support device, axial holding elements, and gripping devices that provide a robust mechanical coupling to the package body, allowing for quick and easy assembly/disassembly, and featuring bayonet or claw coupling mechanisms for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If handling members are permanently provided on the package body, then handling operations can be performed, but mechanical reinforcement is required which increases cost and mass
Solution Approach 1:
The handling members are made removable rather than permanent, allowing the package to dynamically change its configuration based on operational needs. The handling members can be attached when handling operations are required and removed when not needed, transforming a static heavy structure into a dynamic lightweight solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling members are separated from the main package body into independent removable components. This segmentation allows the package body to remain lightweight while enabling handling capability through optional attachment of separate handling member modules.
2Weight of moving object
If removable handling structures are provided, then cost and mass are reduced, but robustness of mechanical coupling is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic removable connection that maintains full mechanical strength when engaged. The bayonet-style coupling provides a secure mechanical lock that ensures robustness equivalent to permanent connections while retaining removability.
3Weight of moving object
If removable handling structures are provided, then cost is reduced, but ease of assembly and disassembly is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism uses a dynamic bayonet-style engagement that allows rapid attachment and detachment through simple rotational movements. This dynamic coupling design enables operators to quickly assemble and disassemble handling members without complex procedures, making the removable structure as easy to operate as permanent structures.
4Ease of operation
If handling members are permanently provided, then handling operations can be performed, but mechanical adjustment problems occur during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The handling members are extracted from the permanent package structure and made into separate removable components. This extraction eliminates the weak points and mechanical adjustment problems associated with permanent handling members during transport, as they can be removed or secured separately.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a package for transporting and/or storing radioactive materials as well as a removable handling structure designed to be removably coupled on the first axial end of a lateral package body, the handling structure comprising a support device, as well as at least two separate package handling members. The first end includes one or more axial holding elements of the handling structure, whereas the handling structure includes at least one gripping device comprising an axial coupling member to the first axial end. Furthermore, in the coupled configuration of the handling structure, each axial coupling member is in contact or axially facing an axial stop surface of the axial holding element.