Fuel assembly support grid
US5139736A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E30/30
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A strip (16) for an eggcrate-type nuclear fuel assembly grid (10), in which the fuel rod support springs (30,36) are formed by beams (75,77) and a connecting arch (78). More particularly, the strip has a substantially flat body (56), upper and lower edges (84,86) defining the strip vertical height, and opposed side edges (80) defining the length of the body. The fuel rod support structure (30) projects transversely from the body and comprises a plurality of spring members spaced apart in the longitudinal direction along the body, each spring member having a pedestal portion (75,77) resiliently supported by the body and a contact portion (78) integrally formed on and projecting from the pedestal portion. The pedestal portion preferably includes a beam integrally constrained at both ends by the body. By integrally fixing the ends, the spring member can be considerably smaller and produce the same force for a given deflection as a conventional grid.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.