Retaining Fork for Selective Irradiation Target Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing short-term radioisotopes are limited by the need for cumbersome and expensive on-site equipment, and the challenge of quickly transporting these isotopes due to their short half-lives, which is particularly problematic in access-restricted nuclear reactor environments.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for moving and managing irradiation targets within nuclear reactors using a traversable path and retention assembly, including a restricting fork that allows selective passage of objects, enabling irradiation and retrieval of radioisotopes without shutting down the reactor, and utilizing compact, self-contained motors and position detectors for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-site production of radioisotopes is implemented, then the availability of short-term radioisotopes is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary retrieval system that uses a remotely operable robot equipped with grippers to handle irradiation targets. This intermediary device mediates between the reactor core and the external environment, enabling isotope production without requiring complex on-site extraction equipment at the end-use facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the irradiation and retrieval functions from the end-use facility and relocates them to a centralized reactor facility. The irradiation targets are produced externally and then transported to the end-use facility, separating the complex production process from the simple application site.
2Loss of time
If quick transportation of short-lived radioisotopes is implemented, then the loss of time is reduced, but the complexity of the delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by producing and preparing irradiation targets at the reactor facility before they are needed at the end-use facility. The targets are irradiated, extracted, and prepared for transport in advance, allowing quick delivery without requiring complex on-site production capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a remotely operable robot as an intermediary to handle the irradiation targets during extraction and transfer. This intermediary system automates the complex handling operations, reducing transport time while keeping the delivery system manageable through remote operation rather than requiring complex on-site infrastructure.
3Loss of time
If reactor operations continue without shutdown, then the loss of time for isotope production is reduced, but the safety and operational control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated, remotely operable systems that handle irradiation target insertion, extraction, and retrieval without requiring reactor shutdown or direct human intervention in the reactor core. The system serves itself by using robotic grippers and remotely controlled mechanisms to manage the entire process while the reactor continues normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The remotely operable robot acts as an intermediary between operators and the reactor core, enabling safe manipulation of irradiation targets during ongoing reactor operations. This intermediary system maintains safety and operational control by allowing remote manipulation without requiring shutdown, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and operational control.
4Area of stationary object
If compact retainers with integrated motors are used, then the space available for installation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the motor, actuator, and retainer components into a single integrated assembly. By combining these functions into one compact unit, the system reduces the total installation space required while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components. The merged design allows the retainer to be controlled remotely, offsetting the increased internal complexity with simplified external interfaces.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retainer (650) is placed on a conduit (1110) to control movement of objects (250) within the conduit in accessrestricted areas. Retainers can prevent or allow movement in the conduit in a discriminatory fashion. A fork (651) with variable-spacing between prongs can be a retainer and be extended or collapsed with respect to the conduit to change the size of the conduit. Different objects of different sizes may thus react to the fork differently, some passing and some being blocked. Retainers can be installed in inaccessible areas and allow selective movement in remote portions of conduit where users cannot directly interface, including below nuclear reactors. Position detectors (655) can monitor the movement of objects through the conduit remotely as well, permitting engagement of a desired level of restriction and object movement. Retainers are useable in a variety of nuclear power plants and with irradiation target delivery, harvesting, driving, and other remote handling or robotic systems.