Turntable Unloading Structure for Stable Spherical Material Reclaiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isodiametric spherical material unloading devices for pebble bed high-temperature gas-cooled reactors face instability and poor maintainability due to random spherical element unloading, arching, and jamming issues, which complicates efficient and reliable unloading operations and increases maintenance costs under strong radioactivity conditions.
Innovation Solution
The unloading device incorporates a power mechanism, transmission mechanism, and execution mechanism with a shafting assembly and turntable assembly, featuring a three-layer disturbance system, guard plate assembly, and disturbance mechanisms to ensure stable and efficient unloading, and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing disassembly of the turntable assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-row device is used for unloading, then the device structure is simple, but the unloading stability is poor and it is difficult to cooperate with downstream singular unloading equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The unloading device is divided into multiple independent unloading rows (first unloading row, second unloading row, etc.), each with its own reclaiming mechanism. This segmentation allows each row to operate independently and stably, while the overall system maintains simplicity through modular design. Each row can be controlled separately to ensure stable unloading of spherical elements.
2Productivity
If an integrated unloading device with horizontal cantilever support structures is used, then the unloading capacity is increased, but the bearings are subjected to severe combined loads and maintenance becomes extremely difficult under strong radioactivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses vertical column support structures instead of horizontal cantilever structures, dividing the support function into separate vertical columns. This segmentation reduces the complex combined loads on individual bearings and allows for easier maintenance access. The vertical arrangement simplifies the load paths and makes bearing replacement more feasible under radioactive conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using horizontal cantilever support structures that extend outward from the center, the invention inverts the support approach by using vertical columns that support the unloading mechanism from above. This inversion changes the load direction and distribution, reducing the severity of combined loads on bearings and improving maintainability.
3Quantity of substance
If horizontal cantilever support structures are used, then the unloading device can handle more material, but the bearings face severe combined radial, axial and torsional loads affecting long-life operation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple vertical columns rather than using horizontal cantilevers. This segmentation distributes the material handling load across separate vertical support elements, reducing the combined loads on individual bearings. Each column handles a portion of the material flow, maintaining overall capacity while reducing stress concentration.
4Productivity
If complex structure and shafting are used, then the unloading device can achieve higher efficiency, but maintenance under strong radioactivity becomes extremely difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs multiple independent unloading rows with standardized mechanisms, segmenting the complex unloading function into repeatable modular units. This segmentation maintains high unloading efficiency through parallel operation while reducing overall structural complexity through standardization. Each row is a self-contained module that can be independently maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical column support structures and bearing arrangements are designed to be universal across all unloading rows. This universality allows the same components to be used throughout the device, simplifying the overall structure and making maintenance easier under radioactive conditions, as technicians need to master only one set of component types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to the field of mechanical engineering technologies, and particularly to an unloading device. The unloading device includes a power mechanism, a transmission mechanism, and an execution mechanism that are connected in sequence from top to bottom; wherein the execution mechanism includes a shafting assembly and a turntable assembly that are connected in sequence from top to bottom; wherein the turntable assembly includes an upper auxiliary fence, a middle main disturbance disk, and a lower reclaiming portion that are arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The unloading device provided by the present application is easy to control, and ensures the reclaiming reliability of the spherical materials and the stability of the sphere flow unloading, which can meet the requirements of long life and reliable operation of the unloading device under light load and low speed working conditions and achieve the convenient maintenance.