Self-Centering Dampening Device for Radioactive Material Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems for radioactive materials face challenges in maintaining precise alignment between deformable dampening devices and loading devices during axial drops, leading to operational and manufacturing constraints, and inadequate dissipation of mechanical energy.
Innovation Solution
A packaging system with a self-centring deformable dampening device and loading device, where one of the devices is mounted moveable on the cover in a plane orthogonal to the axis, allowing for automatic self-centring and improved alignment without precise positioning requirements, enabling efficient dissipation of mechanical energy during axial drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precise alignment between dampening device and loading device is required to optimize energy dissipation, then dampening efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and operational constraints increase due to tight tolerance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening device is made movable relative to the cover through a sliding mechanism, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during assembly. This transforms a static alignment problem into a dynamic self-adjusting system, where the device automatically finds its correct position through controlled movement rather than requiring precise pre-positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-centring features including tapered surfaces and guiding elements that automatically center the dampening device relative to the loading device during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures, allowing the components to self-align through their geometric features
2Manufacturing precision
If lateral plays between assembly and packaging wall are reduced to improve alignment, then dampening alignment is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in loading canisters
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening device incorporates a sliding mechanism on the cover that allows lateral movement during the loading operation. This dynamic capability enables the device to accommodate the natural lateral plays that occur during canister insertion, maintaining alignment precision without constraining the loading operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism acts as an intermediary element between the fixed cover and the movable dampening device. This intermediary structure absorbs the lateral movements and misalignments that occur during loading, mediating between the rigid cover structure and the flexible loading requirements
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 system achieves effective dampening of impact forces, ensuring leak tightness and reducing the risk of radiological leaks, while simplifying the loading and manufacturing processes by allowing for better alignment and energy dissipation without precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
at least one plastically deformable dampening device
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a package comprising a packaging for storing and/or transporting radioactive materials and an assembly containing radioactive materials (16) housed in a cavity of the packaging closed by a cover (6), the package comprising a system for dampening impact of the assembly against the cover (6), the system comprising at least one deformable dampening device (42) and a loading device (26) of the deformable dampening device. According to the invention, one of the devices (42) is mounted moveable on the cover (6) in a plane orthogonal to the axis (8) of the packaging, and has means (50) of self-centering relatively to the other of the devices (26), provided on the assembly containing the radioactive materials (16).