Series Piston Load Compensator for Nuclear Fuel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load compensating systems for nuclear reactor fuel element handling machines are not easily manufacturable, operable, efficient, or reliable, particularly in managing variations in the mass of the pickup device and the forces exerted on fuel elements.
Innovation Solution
A load compensating device featuring two fluid-operated piston devices connected in series, a slide, and an operating fluid feed circuit that maintains minimum and maximum tension in a hoisting cable to prevent excessive compression and pull on fuel elements, incorporating a safety lock system and microswitches to manage these forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing load compensating systems are used, then load compensation is provided, but the systems are difficult to manufacture and operate with reduced efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The load compensating system is divided into two independent piston devices (first piston device 18a and second piston device 18b) connected in series, each handling different aspects of load compensation. This segmentation allows each piston device to be manufactured and maintained independently, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliable load compensation through distributed functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an operating fluid feed circuit 19 as an intermediary system that parallel-feeds fluid to both piston devices, and a safety lock system 39 as a mediator that intervenes when the fluid supply fails. These intermediary components enhance reliability by providing controlled fluid distribution and fail-safe mechanisms without complicating the core piston devices.
2Productivity
If existing load compensating systems are used, then load compensation is provided, but the systems are difficult to operate with reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The piston devices are designed to automatically respond to load variations without requiring manual intervention. The first piston device 18a automatically compensates for the weight of the pickup device, while the second piston device 18b automatically compensates for variations in pickup device mass, enabling the system to self-regulate and improving both efficiency and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety lock system 39 provides a feedback mechanism that monitors the operation of the piston devices and intervenes when abnormal conditions are detected (such as fluid supply failure). This feedback loop ensures efficient operation by preventing malfunction and automatically engaging safety protocols when needed.
3Reliability
If single piston device is used, then simpler structure is achieved, but insufficient load compensation is provided for varying masses
Solution Approach 1:
The load compensating device is segmented into two piston devices 18a and 18b connected in series, with the first piston device handling constant weight compensation and the second piston device handling variable mass compensation. This segmentation provides reliable load compensation for varying masses while keeping each individual piston device relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two piston devices work together to provide multiple functions: the first piston device 18a provides baseline load compensation, while the second piston device 18b adjusts for mass variations. This multi-functional arrangement achieves reliable load compensation across different operating conditions without requiring an overly complex single-device solution.
4Productivity
If mechanical series connection of piston devices is used, then load compensation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piston devices are connected in series through a straightforward mechanical arrangement where the first piston device 18a and second piston device 18b are positioned one after another along the vertical axis. This segmented series connection improves load compensation performance by distributing compensation functions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure compared to parallel or complex interconnected configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A load compensating device (15) for a nuclear fuel element handling machine has : a frame (16) fitted to a fixed supporting structure (13); a slide (17), which runs along the frame (16) and is attached to a hoisting member (6) such as a cable; a first and second fluid-operated piston device (18a, 18b) connected mechanically in series to each other and to the slide (17); and an operating fluid feed circuit (19) for parallel-feeding operating fluid to the piston devices (18). The first piston device (18a) is designed to keep the tension of the hoisting member (6) above a given minimum value (Tmin); and the second piston device (18b) is designed to keep the maximum tension of the hoisting member (6) below a given maximum value (Tmax).