Swivel Supporting Unit Reinforcement for Steam Generator Tip Tool Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
The tip tool guide apparatus in steam generators faces issues with deflection and twisting due to reaction forces from the inner peripheral surface, leading to potential lifting of the tip tool from the processing surface, as the existing rigidity is insufficient to withstand these forces.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement member is introduced to reinforce the swivel supporting unit, which is supported by a stationary structural member in the water chamber, allowing it to withstand forces in the swiveling direction and reducing deflection and deviation, thereby preventing the tip tool from being lifted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tip tool is pressed against the inner peripheral surface by the manipulator, then the tip tool can be brought into close contact with the processing surface, but the reaction force causes deflection and twisting of the swivel supporting unit, leading to lifting of the tip tool from the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple reinforcement members (first and second reinforcement members) positioned at different locations and angles, segmenting the load-bearing function across multiple elements rather than relying on a single structural component
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement members are arranged in multiple spatial dimensions around the swivel supporting unit, providing support not only in the vertical direction but also in radial and angular directions, creating a three-dimensional reinforcement system that counteracts multi-directional reaction forces
2Stability of the object's composition
If the swivel supporting unit is made more rigid to withstand reaction forces, then deflection and twisting are reduced, but the device complexity and structural weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Reinforcement members act as intermediary elements between the swivel supporting unit and the stationary structural member, transferring and distributing reaction forces through these intermediate components rather than requiring the swivel supporting unit itself to bear all loads
Solution Approach 2:
Reinforcement is applied locally at specific critical positions where reaction forces are most intense, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire swivel supporting unit, thereby providing necessary stability while minimizing additional weight and complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A tip tool guide apparatus 1 includes a swivel supporting unit 20 that is supported in a water chamber 100 of a steam generator by being stretched while pressing a stationary structural member provided in the water chamber 100 and that swivels around a pivot TL, a tip tool that is connected to the swivel supporting unit 20 with a slide table 30,i.e., a movable member, and a manipulator mounted on the slide table 30 interposed therebetween and that performs processing on a surface to be processed, and a pressing member 10A that reinforces the swivel supporting unit so as to withstand the force applied to the swivel supporting unit 20 in the swiveling direction of the swivel supporting unit 20, and that is provided in the water chamber 100.