VR Decommissioning Simulation for Nuclear Facility Dismantling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Decommissioning nuclear facilities poses challenges due to high radioactivity, making it difficult to determine the optimal number of operators and operation route without conducting multiple experiments on-site, which is risky and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A simulation apparatus using head-mounted displays (HMDs) and a simulation unit generates a virtual space for operators to simulate decommissioning operations, allowing for the comparison of different scenarios in terms of operator numbers and task order, providing real-time progress information and measurement values such as radiation exposure and task completion time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple experiments are conducted on the actual decommissioning operation site to determine optimal operator numbers and task progress orders, then the accuracy of determining optimal values is improved, but the risk of radiation exposure and safety hazards increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of determining optimal operator numbers and task progress ordersVSAvoidradiation exposure risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the nuclear facility decommissioning environment using VR technology. The virtual space replicates the actual facility structure, equipment layouts, and decommissioning tasks, allowing operators to conduct experiments and collect data without physical exposure to radiation. This virtual replica enables multiple trial experiments to determine optimal operator numbers and task sequences while eliminating radiation exposure risks entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If multiple experiments are conducted on the actual decommissioning operation site to determine optimal task progress orders, then the reliability of operation planning is improved, but the time required for experimentation and the operational disruption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of operation planningVSAvoidtime required for experimentation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs all necessary experiments and data collection in advance within the virtual environment before actual decommissioning operations begin. By conducting multiple trial runs, collecting measurement data, and analyzing results in the virtual space, the system determines optimal operator numbers, task progress orders, and operation routes beforehand. This preliminary experimentation eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site trials and provides reliable operational plans for actual decommissioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the actual decommissioning operation is performed with multiple operators following complex task associations, then the completeness of task execution is improved, but the complexity of coordinating operators and managing task sequences increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompleteness of task executionVSAvoidcomplexity of coordinating operators and managing task sequences
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a comprehensive feedback system that automatically monitors operator positions, task completion status, and progression through the decommissioning process. The system provides real-time feedback to operators through the VR interface, guiding them through correct task sequences and confirming completion. This automated feedback mechanism reduces coordination complexity by replacing manual supervision with intelligent system guidance that ensures all tasks are completed in the correct order.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10303824B2Apparatus and method for simulation of dismantling operation of nuclear facility
Publication Date: 2019.05.28 KOREA ATOMIC ENERGY RES INST
  • US10303824B2 patent drawing
  • US10303824B2 patent drawing
  • US10303824B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a simulation of a nuclear facility dismantling operation, comprising: a database which includes information on at least one task constituting a nuclear facility dismantling operation and information on a virtual space related to the simulation of the dismantling operation; a plurality of head mounted displays (HMDs) which receives inputs of users related to the simulation; a simulation unit which generates the virtual space, transmits to the plurality of HMDs, the image of the virtual space including operator objects corresponding to each of the users of the plurality of HMDs, and processes the simulation of the dismantling operation according to the inputs received from each HMD user, wherein, when simulations which are different in at least one of the number of the users and the progress order of the tasks are processed, the simulation unit compares the simulations on the basis of at least one of the number of the users or the progress order of the tasks and displays a comparison result.