Winch-Based Up-ender for Nuclear Fuel Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nuclear fuel shipping containers face issues with metal shavings and loose parts causing fretting failure, complex and space-consuming up-enders for reorienting, and inefficiencies in loading and unloading due to clamshell designs and clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A shipping container with a single-piece tubular design and a winch-based up-ender that uses a lifting anchor element and adjustable winch cabling to rotate the container between horizontal and vertical positions without clamps or strongbacks, reducing the need for complex equipment and minimizing the risk of loose parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clamps and doors are used to secure fuel assemblies in clamshell containers, then the fuel assemblies can be secured during transport, but metal shavings and loose parts can become trapped inside the fuel assemblies causing fretting failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the clamps and doors from the container design entirely. Instead of using mechanical securing mechanisms that generate metal shavings, the fuel assemblies are secured through the container structure itself, eliminating the source of harmful metal particles that could cause fretting failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical clamp and door system with a different approach that does not rely on moving mechanical parts. The securing mechanism is integrated into the container structure, avoiding the generation of metal shavings from bolted connections, hinges, and clamping surfaces.
2Ease of operation
If complex dedicated up-ender equipment is used to reorient the shipping container, then the container can be moved between horizontal and vertical positions, but the equipment occupies substantial storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the up-ender functionality directly into the shipping container structure. The container serves multiple functions: it protects the fuel assemblies during transport and also provides the means for its own reorientation. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated up-ender equipment that would occupy storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the container and up-ender functions into a single integrated system. The structural elements of the container are designed to also serve as the reorientation mechanism, merging two previously separate functions into one unified structure.
3Reliability
If clamping mechanisms and hinged doors are used in clamshell containers, then the fuel assemblies can be secured, but the mechanisms add time to the loading and unloading processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the time-consuming clamping mechanisms and hinged doors from the container design. By eliminating these complex securing systems, the loading and unloading processes are simplified and accelerated, while fuel assembly security is maintained through the integrated container structure.
4Ease of operation
If clamshell container design with removable top shell is used, then the container can be opened and closed for loading and unloading, but the design requires complex flanged joints and bolted connections that increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the complex flanged joints and bolted connections from the container design. By eliminating the removable top shell and associated fastening mechanisms, the container structure is simplified while maintaining access capability through a different approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the container into functional segments that can be accessed independently. Instead of using a removable top shell with complex joints, the design allows access through simplified openings or access points that do not require disassembling complex fastening systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution eliminates the risk of metal shavings and loose parts, simplifies the loading and unloading process, and reduces the need for dedicated up-enders, enhancing safety and efficiency in nuclear fuel transport.
Implementation Method 1
a winch connected with the lifting anchor element and including winch cabling extending downward and connecting with the top connection feature of the shipping container
Data Source
AI summary
A shipping container containing an unirradiated nuclear fuel assembly is lifted off the ground by operating a crane to raise a lifting tool comprising a winch. The lifting tool is connected with the shipping container by a rigging line connecting with the shipping container at a lifting point located on the shipping container between the top and bottom of the shipping container, and by winch cabling connecting with the shipping container at the top of the shipping container. The shipping container is reoriented by operating the winch to adjust the length of the winch cabling so as to rotate the shipping container about the lifting point. Shortening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation, while lengthening the winch cabling rotates the shipping container about the lifting point from the vertical orientation to the horizontal orientation.