Design of remote handling gripper for DEMO reactor port closure plate
Nie, Yanzhao (2026)
Kandidaatintyö
2026
School of Energy Systems, Konetekniikka
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026050437666
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2026050437666
Tiivistelmä
This thesis designs a remote handling gripper for the DEMO reactor Lower Port Closure Plate (LP PCP), which weighs 14 tons, has no dedicated handle, and operates in a narrow, high-radiation environment.
A dual-model strategy was used: a Layout Model in SolidWorks for path planning and collision detection, and an Analysis Model in ANSYS for structural verification. The gripper adopts form-closure gripping with friction-enhanced surface treatment, eliminating the need for a dedicated handle. A toggle-lock mechanism provides mechanical self-locking and fail-safe operation.
The main structure uses AISI 304 stainless steel, with high-load contact surfaces treated with nickel-based alloy or high-friction coating. ANSYS analysis shows maximum deformation of 0.172 mm and maximum equivalent stress of 12.8 MPa under gravitational loads, well below material yield strength. SolidWorks kinematic simulation confirms that the gripper can complete grasping, lifting, rotating and placing operations without interference.
The results demonstrate that the proposed gripper meets the requirements for safe and stable remote handling of the 14-ton LP PCP under high-radiation and confined-space conditions.
A dual-model strategy was used: a Layout Model in SolidWorks for path planning and collision detection, and an Analysis Model in ANSYS for structural verification. The gripper adopts form-closure gripping with friction-enhanced surface treatment, eliminating the need for a dedicated handle. A toggle-lock mechanism provides mechanical self-locking and fail-safe operation.
The main structure uses AISI 304 stainless steel, with high-load contact surfaces treated with nickel-based alloy or high-friction coating. ANSYS analysis shows maximum deformation of 0.172 mm and maximum equivalent stress of 12.8 MPa under gravitational loads, well below material yield strength. SolidWorks kinematic simulation confirms that the gripper can complete grasping, lifting, rotating and placing operations without interference.
The results demonstrate that the proposed gripper meets the requirements for safe and stable remote handling of the 14-ton LP PCP under high-radiation and confined-space conditions.