Patent · US Expired

Positive lock holddown device

US4268357A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
5References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 24, 1978
Grant dateMay 19, 1981
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 24, 1998

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a high, positive locking force at the bottom of a nuclear fuel assembly to resist upward coolant flow forces. A latch on the fuel assembly alignment post is cammed to engage the fuel alignment pin in the core support stand and is linked to an actuating rod extending through the lower end of the fuel assembly center guide tube. The upward flow of coolant against the link and actuating rod causes the link to approach the horizontal, thereby exerting a high locking force between the latch and the fuel alignment pin. In the preferred embodiment spring means interact between the lower end fitting and the actuating rod to maintain an upward bias on the rod.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.