Tube Locking Axle for Thermocouple Pipe Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing locking devices for thermocouple pipes in nuclear reactors are complex and time-consuming to operate, often causing damage to other pipes during replacement, leading to unreliable temperature measurements due to defective thermocouples and pipes subjected to high temperature and pressure stresses.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a movable locking axle and bearing surfaces that can pinch tube segments between the axle and a first arm, allowing easy release and repositioning of tubes, preventing contact and damage, and enabling quick replacement without destroying connected pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If locking devices are used to secure thermocouple pipes in position, then the pipes are prevented from contacting and damaging each other, but the replacement operation becomes long and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe position stabilityVSAvoidreplacement operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into a body, a movable locking element, and a release element. The locking element can be independently moved between locked and unlocked positions, allowing quick release without dismantling the entire device. This segmentation enables rapid pipe replacement while maintaining secure positioning during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element is designed to be movable relative to the body through a release mechanism. This dynamic design allows the locking device to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling quick replacement of thermocouple pipes without complex operations or destruction of connected pipes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional locking devices are used, then pipes are secured in position, but the replacement operation may destroy other pipes connected by the staples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe position stabilityVSAvoiddamage to connected pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is designed with a locking element that can be independently moved to release pipes. This allows selective release of the defective pipe without affecting other pipes connected to the same support structure, preventing collateral damage during replacement operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The defective pipe can be extracted from the locked position by simply moving the locking element to the unlocked state, removing the pipe without destroying the locking device or affecting other connected pipes. The locking device remains intact for future use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10431344B2Assembly with a tube locking device, and associated maintenance method

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 AREVA NP SAS

AI summary

An assembly is provided that includes a device for locking tubes in position relative to one another, with at least a first arm, a locking axle having a plurality of bearing surfaces, the locking axle being movable between a position locking the tubes each between one of said bearing surfaces and the first arm, and a released position, in which the tube segments are free.