Robotic Dressing Device for Centreless Nuclear Fuel Pellet Grinder

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual dressing of grinding wheels in centreless grinders for nuclear fuel pellets is risky and inefficient, often requiring multiple corundum rods and risking operator safety and wheel damage, while also compromising dressing quality.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sleeve to guide and hold a corundum rod laterally, a pneumatic ram for constant thrust, and linear guide rails for precise movement, minimizing operator risk and improving dressing efficiency and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual dressing is performed by operator inserting corundum rod through access hatch, then operator can access the grinding wheel for dressing, but operator safety is compromised and dressing quality is inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator access to grinding wheelVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic manipulator serves as an intermediary between the operator and the grinding wheel. The operator controls the dressing operation remotely through the manipulator, which holds and positions the corundum rod. This eliminates direct operator exposure to dangerous zones while maintaining dressing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of inserting and positioning corundum rods by hand is replaced with an automated robotic manipulator system. The manipulator executes precise positioning and dressing motions under remote control, eliminating manual intervention in hazardous areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If operator manually positions and presses corundum rod against grinding wheel, then dressing operation can be performed, but dressing quality is inconsistent and multiple rods are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedressing operation completionVSAvoiddressing quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors detect the contact force between the corundum rod and grinding wheel, and this information is fed back to the control system. The system automatically adjusts the manipulator's positioning and pressing force to maintain optimal dressing conditions, ensuring consistent quality and reducing corundum rod consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment during the dressing operation. The manipulator automatically maintains the correct position and force application based on real-time feedback, eliminating the need for operator skill and attention to maintain consistent dressing quality throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If corundum rod is manually moved over entire width of grinding wheel, then entire wheel surface is dressed, but operator risk of breaking rod in frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete wheel coverageVSAvoidrisk of rod breaking and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic manipulator acts as an intermediary that safely performs the dangerous task of moving the corundum rod across the entire wheel width. The manipulator can detect and respond to rod breakage automatically, preventing the rod from snapping in the frame and causing damage, while still achieving complete wheel coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If dressing is performed to improve grinding wheel efficiency, then machining efficiency improves, but operator safety and wheel damage risk increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrinding wheel machining efficiencyVSAvoidoperator safety and wheel integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The manual dressing operation is completely replaced with an automated robotic system. This substitution maintains the grinding wheel's machining efficiency through proper dressing while eliminating operator exposure to safety risks and reducing the likelihood of wheel damage through controlled, precise movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enhances dressing quality, reduces operator risk, and extends the life of grinding wheels by ensuring consistent contact and controlled force application, improving the precision and reliability of the grinding process.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic ram for constant thrust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9022836B2Dressing device for a grinding wheel and its use in a centreless nuclear fuel pellet grinder

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 ORANO RECYCLAGE

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for dressing a grinding wheel, comprising a sleeve to hold a corundum rod laterally and to guide it along its longitudinal axis, a ram to apply constant thrust force onto the corundum rod held in place and guided in the sleeve, to bring it into contact with the grinding wheel, means of rigidly connecting the ram shaft to the end of the corundum rod, and linear guide means for the sleeve for translating the corundum rod parallel to the axis of the grinding wheel while keeping the rod pressed against the grinding wheel with a constant force.Application to a centerless grinder in which the grinding wheel is used to grind nuclear fuel pellets.