Shock Absorber for Transport and/or Storage Containers for Fuel Elements and/or Fuel-Containing Packages and Fuel Element and/or Fuel-Containing Package as well as Transport and/or Storage Container for Fuel Elements and/or Fuel-Containing Packages

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent discloses a shock absorber designed for transport and/or storage containers that hold nuclear fuel elements or fuel-containing assemblies. The shock absorber consists of a deformable hollow metal body (preferably stainless steel) with specialized zones: at least one region is engineered to plastically deform and absorb energy during shock events (like dropping or impact), while at least one other region remains rigid and stable. This design ensures that most of the impact energy is absorbed by deformation of the shock absorber, reducing the energy transmitted to the sensitive and potentially hazardous fuel elements inside. The shock absorber can be integrated into the containers or the fuel assemblies themselves and tailored for optimal performance by adapting the geometry or material thickness.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Shipping and storage of nuclear fuel rods or assemblies to improve safety during transport or accident scenarios.
• Design of nuclear waste containers with enhanced shock resistance.
• New or upgraded storage solutions in nuclear power plants for interim or long-term storage of spent fuel.
• Use in other critical industries requiring transport of hazardous materials in containers subject to rough handling or drop risk.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Significantly increases the ability of containers to absorb shock or impact energy, reducing the risk of damage to or release from nuclear fuel.
• Engineered zones for plastic deformation ensure controlled energy absorption and minimal deformation in protected areas.
• Customizable geometry allows the shock absorber to be precisely tuned for various impact scenarios and container configurations.
• The use of metals like stainless steel provides durability, strength, and long service life even under harsh conditions.
• Can be integrated with existing containment systems with various connection options (welded, bolted, slotted), providing flexibility in retrofitting or new designs.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a shock absorber (10) for transport containers and/or storage containers for fuel elements and/or fuel-containing vessels, wherein the shock absorber (10) has a plastically deformable elongate hollow body (11). The invention is characterized in that the hollow body (11) has at least one first region (12) provided for the plastic deformation in the event of shock loading and at least one second region (13) that remains dimensionally stable in the event of shock loading. The invention further relates to a fuel element and/or to a fuel-containing vessel (20) having at least one such shock absorber (10) and to a transport container and/or storage container (30) for fuel elements and/or for fuel-containing vessels (20) having at least one such shock absorber (10).