REACTOR CONTROL MECHANISM
Abstract
A quick-releasing mechanism is described which may be used to rapidiy drop a device supported from beneath during normal use, such as a safety rod in a nuclear reactor. In accordance with this invention an electrical control signal, such as may be provided by radiation detection or other alarm condition sensing devices, is delivered to an electromagnetic solenoid, the armature of which is coupled to an actuating mechanism. The solenoid is energized when the mechanism is in its upper or cocked position. In such position, the mechanism engages a plurality of retaining balls, forcing them outward into engagement with a shoulder or recess in a corresponding section of a tubular extension on the upheld device. When the control signal to the solenoid suddenly ceases, the armature drops out, allowing the actuating mechanism to move slightly but rapidly under the force of a compressed spring. The weight of the device will urge the balls inward against a beveled portion of the actuating mechanism and away from the engaging section on the tubular extension, thus allowing the upheld device to fall freely under the influence of gravity.
- Inventors:
- Issue Date:
- Research Org.:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- OSTI Identifier:
- 4226200
- Patent Number(s):
- 2885893
- Assignee:
- U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
- Patent Classifications (CPCs):
-
G - PHYSICS G21 - NUCLEAR PHYSICS G21C - NUCLEAR REACTORS
Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y02 - TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE Y02E - REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- NSA Number:
- NSA-13-023130
- Resource Type:
- Patent
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Orig. Receipt Date: 31-DEC-59
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
- Subject:
- REACTORS; COILS; CONTROL; CONTROL ELEMENTS; DETECTION; ELECTRICITY; ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS; GRAVITATION; MACHINE PARTS; MECHANICAL STRUCTURES; MECHANICS; MOTION; RADIATIONS; RODS; SAFETY; SHUTDOWN; SIGNALS; SPRINGS; VELOCITY; WEIGHT
Citation Formats
Lane, J A, Engberg, R E, and Welch, J M. REACTOR CONTROL MECHANISM. United States: N. p., 1959.
Web.
Lane, J A, Engberg, R E, & Welch, J M. REACTOR CONTROL MECHANISM. United States.
Lane, J A, Engberg, R E, and Welch, J M. Tue .
"REACTOR CONTROL MECHANISM". United States.
@article{osti_4226200,
title = {REACTOR CONTROL MECHANISM},
author = {Lane, J A and Engberg, R E and Welch, J M},
abstractNote = {A quick-releasing mechanism is described which may be used to rapidiy drop a device supported from beneath during normal use, such as a safety rod in a nuclear reactor. In accordance with this invention an electrical control signal, such as may be provided by radiation detection or other alarm condition sensing devices, is delivered to an electromagnetic solenoid, the armature of which is coupled to an actuating mechanism. The solenoid is energized when the mechanism is in its upper or cocked position. In such position, the mechanism engages a plurality of retaining balls, forcing them outward into engagement with a shoulder or recess in a corresponding section of a tubular extension on the upheld device. When the control signal to the solenoid suddenly ceases, the armature drops out, allowing the actuating mechanism to move slightly but rapidly under the force of a compressed spring. The weight of the device will urge the balls inward against a beveled portion of the actuating mechanism and away from the engaging section on the tubular extension, thus allowing the upheld device to fall freely under the influence of gravity.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {1959},
month = {5}
}