Sliding Duct Connection for Nuclear Plant Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing duct connection methods, such as using toggle clamps, are time-consuming for uninstalling and reinstalling ducts in nuclear plants, leading to substantial downtime during maintenance, like refueling outages.
Innovation Solution
A duct connection system featuring a slip fit with perpendicular and parallel extensions on a flange, forming a receiving area for corresponding flanges, along with guide members and expandable sections, allowing for quicker coupling and uncoupling by sliding and minimal alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If toggle clamps are used to couple ducts together, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the time required to install and uninstall the ducts increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The duct connection system is divided into modular components: a first duct with a first flange, a duct connection assembly with a receiving area, and a second duct with a second flange. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed and assembled, enabling rapid connection without requiring multiple toggle clamps distributed along the duct length. The modular design reduces the number of fastening operations needed while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct connection assembly features a receiving area that receives and nests the second flange within it. The second flange is inserted into the receiving area formed by the duct connection assembly, creating a nested configuration. This nesting mechanism allows for quick engagement and disengagement of duct sections without requiring complex fastening operations, significantly reducing installation and removal time while maintaining secure connections.
2Reliability
If multiple toggle clamps are used to ensure strong connection, then the connection reliability improves, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated duct connection assembly. Instead of using multiple separate toggle clamps distributed along the duct, the invention combines all necessary fastening and alignment functions into one unified receiving area structure. This consolidation reduces the number of individual components from multiple toggle clamps to a single duct connection assembly, simplifying the overall device while maintaining connection reliability through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct connection assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the receiving area for the second flange, contains guide members for alignment, provides structural support, and enables both connection and disconnection operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate alignment devices, support structures, and fastening mechanisms that would otherwise be required, reducing device complexity while ensuring reliable connections.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional duct connection methods are used, then the installation is straightforward, but the productivity during maintenance operations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The duct connection assembly is pre-configured with a receiving area and guide members before installation. The receiving area is预先 formed with the correct geometry and dimensions to accommodate the second flange, and guide members are pre-positioned to facilitate proper alignment. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment and adjustment operations, making the installation process both simple and rapid, thereby improving productivity during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct connection assembly acts as an intermediary component between the first duct and the second duct. It provides a standardized interface (the receiving area) that mediates the connection process, allowing ducts to be joined through a simple insertion and fastening operation rather than requiring direct alignment and multiple fastening points. This intermediary structure simplifies the connection process while enabling rapid installation and removal, improving maintenance productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A duct connection including a first flange configured to couple with a first duct and a slip fit attached to the first flange. The slip fit has a first portion extending from the first flange substantially perpendicular with respect to the first flange and a second portion extending from the first portion of the slip fit substantially parallel with respect to the first flange. The slip fit and the first flange form a receiving area structured such that a portion of a corresponding flange included on a second duct can slide into the receiving area.