Retractable Roller Canister Transfer Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing canister transfer systems in nuclear power plants require personnel exposure to radiation during alignment and can cause scratches on the canister surface, leading to potential corrosion and confinement breaches during long-term storage.

Innovation Solution

A retractable roller mechanism with a telescoping actuator and roller rails for lateral transfer and axial rotation of canisters, reducing friction and eliminating direct contact with metallic rails, allowing for safe and efficient transfer and inspection without exposing personnel to radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If precision alignment of metallic rails is used for canister transfer, then transfer accuracy is improved, but personnel radiation exposure increases and canister surface damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer accuracyVSAvoidcanister surface damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a roller mechanism as an intermediary between the canister and the metallic rails. The rollers contact the rails instead of the canister directly, mediating the transfer process. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining precise rail alignment while preventing direct metallic contact that causes surface scratches and corrosion on the canister.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct sliding mechanical contact system with a rolling contact system. Instead of the canister sliding directly on metallic rails, rollers are introduced to convert sliding friction into rolling friction, substituting the mechanical interaction mode. This reduces surface damage while maintaining transfer precision through controlled roller movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If metallic rail sliding is used for canister transfer, then transfer mechanism simplicity is improved, but canister surface corrosion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer mechanism simplicityVSAvoidcanister confinement integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The roller mechanism serves as an intermediary layer between the canister and metallic rails. This additional component protects the canister surface from direct contact with rails, preventing scratches and corrosion that could compromise confinement integrity. The roller acts as a sacrificial or protective element that maintains reliability while enabling transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs rollers made from materials optimized for both low friction and high durability. These composite or specially selected materials provide a protective interface that reduces corrosion risk to the canister while maintaining the simplicity of the overall transfer mechanism through standardized roller components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If direct metallic contact transfer is used, then system complexity is reduced, but heat transfer efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The roller mechanism introduces a thermal intermediary between the canister and the support structure. The rollers provide a controlled thermal interface that can facilitate heat transfer from the canister surface while maintaining system simplicity through standardized roller designs that conduct heat effectively during the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution reduces scratching and corrosion risks, extends canister lifespan, supports various canister diameters, improves heat transfer, and enhances seismic stability, enabling safer and more efficient transfer and inspection processes.

Implementation Method 1

A telescoping actuator positioned beneath the canister support portion is extended to extend the canister support portion laterally along the receiving channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

A retractable roller mechanism with a telescoping actuator and roller rails for lateral transfer and axial rotation of canisters, reducing friction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3174067B1Canister movement assembly for transfer, rotation, and/or inspection

Publication Date: 2019.10.16 TN AMERICAS LLC

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AI summary

A movement system for moving a dry shielded canister includes a stabilization portion, and a canister support portion engaged with the stabilization portion and configured for translational movement between an extended position and a retracted position, the canister support portion including a roller interface for supporting and moving a canister. A method of moving a dry shielded canister includes moving a canister support portion engaged with the stabilization portion from a retracted positon to an extended position; moving the roller interface from a retracted position to an extended position to engage with the canister; and moving the canister.