Self-Service Repair Device for Nuclear Nozzle Inner Periphery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing repair devices for nuclear reactor containment welded parts face inefficiencies in cutting wide areas, requiring tool replacement and manual assistance for installation, which hinders simultaneous repair operations across multiple nozzles.
Innovation Solution
A repair device with a cutting mechanism featuring a turn table and slide shaft, where cutting tools helically turn to cut the pipe's inner periphery, and a cutting-tool switching unit with a ratchet mechanism and fluid pressure system allows for seamless tool replacement and continuous operation within the pipe, enabling self-standing installation and streamlined repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cutting tools are manually replaced during wide area cutting operations, then the cutting operation can be continued, but manual assistance is required which hinders simultaneous repair operations across multiple nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mechanism is equipped with an automatic tool replacement system that can swap cutting tools without manual assistance. The system includes a tool magazine storing multiple cutting tools and an automatic changing mechanism that selects and installs the appropriate tool based on the cutting progress, enabling the device to service itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cutting tools are pre-loaded into the tool magazine before the cutting operation begins. The system is prepared in advance with all necessary tools, so when a tool needs replacement during cutting, it can be immediately swapped without waiting for manual intervention, maintaining operational continuity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the repair device requires manual assistance for tool installation, then tools can be replaced, but simultaneous repair operations across multiple nozzles cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic tool replacement system enables the device to operate independently without manual assistance, allowing multiple repair devices to be deployed simultaneously across different nozzles. Each device manages its own tool inventory and replacement needs autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool replacement function is segmented into independent modular components including a tool magazine, selection mechanism, and installation apparatus. This modular design reduces overall system complexity while enabling automatic operation.
3Area of stationary object
If cutting tools are replaced during wide area cutting, then the entire area can be covered, but operation time increases due to tool replacement interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic tool replacement system maintains continuous cutting action by pre-positioning multiple tools and executing rapid automated swaps. The cutting operation never stops during tool replacement, eliminating idle time and maintaining productive action throughout the entire cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cutting tools are pre-loaded into the magazine before operation begins. When a tool is depleted, the system immediately accesses the pre-positioned next tool and swaps it in seconds, rather than stopping to manually retrieve and install a new tool, significantly reducing replacement time.
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 device efficiently cuts wide areas within the pipe by automatically switching tools and maintaining continuous operation, allowing for simultaneous repairs across multiple nozzles without manual assistance, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing post-treatment needs.
Implementation Method 1
a drive mechanism that is connected to the cutting-tool support body via a ratchet mechanism. Further, when the drive mechanism is driven in a predetermined forward direction, the ratchet mechanism engages to rotate the cutting-tool support body, and when the drive mechanism is driven in an opposite direction, the ratchet mechanism restricts rotations of the cutting-tool support body
Implementation Method 2
a fixing structure that supplies fluid to between the fitted rotating shaft and the switching-unit main body and presses the fitted rotating shaft to the switching-unit main body, thereby fixing the fitted rotating shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
This repair device includes a casing, a slide shaft slidably arranged with respect to the casing, a turn table rotatably arranged with respect to the slide shaft, and a cutting mechanism installed on the turn table and including cutting tools. The turn table is rotationally displaced while the slide shaft slides in an axial direction, so that the cutting tools helically turn to cut an inner periphery of a nozzle. The cutting mechanism includes a cutting-tool switching unit that switches the cutting tools.