초록 ▼

A method is disclosed for monitoring braking torque capability of a brake used for selectively braking a shaft of an exemplary control rod drive. The method includes the steps of rotating the shaft, engaging the brake, torsionally restraining the brake for allowing rotation of the brake up to a pred

A method is disclosed for monitoring braking torque capability of a brake used for selectively braking a shaft of an exemplary control rod drive. The method includes the steps of rotating the shaft, engaging the brake, torsionally restraining the brake for allowing rotation of the brake up to a predetermined maximum angle, and monitoring the angle for monitoring braking torque capability of the brake. A preferred embodiment of a brake assembly for carrying out the method includes a stationary base, a bearing mounted to the base, a brake mounted to the bearing for rotation relative to the base, means for torsionally restraining the brake for allowing rotation of the brake up to the predetermined maximum angle, and means for monitoring the angle. In one embodiment, the torsional restraining means comprises a plurality of springs for providing limited rotation of the brake, and the angle monitoring means comprises a switch which is activated at a predetermined threshold angle of rotation of the brake, or a strain gage which continuously monitors bending strain in the spring for indicating torque-resisting capability of the brake.

대표청구항 ▼

A brake assembly for selectively braking rotation of an input shaft extending from a control rod drive having a longitudinal centerline axis, said shaft being rotatable for selectively inserting and withdrawing a control rod in a nuclear reactor vessel, and said brake assembly comprising: a stationa

A brake assembly for selectively braking rotation of an input shaft extending from a control rod drive having a longitudinal centerline axis, said shaft being rotatable for selectively inserting and withdrawing a control rod in a nuclear reactor vessel, and said brake assembly comprising: a stationary base; an annular bearing mounted to said base; a brake mounted to said bearing for rotation relative to said base and effective for selectively braking said input shaft, said brake including: a backing plate mounted to said bearing for rotation relative to said base; a first braking pad fixedly joined to said backing plate; a rotor disc fixedly connected to said input shaft and disposed adjacent to said first pad; a second braking pad disposed adjacent to said rotor disc; and means for selectively clamping said first and second pads against said rotor disc for braking said input shaft; means for torsionally restraining said brake including: a pin extending outwardly from said backing plate toward said base; and a spring extending from said base to said pin and generally perpendicular to said centerline axis, said spring being sized and configured for providing a restraining force on said pin for torsionally restraining said backing plate for allowing rotation of said backing plate relative to said base at an angle up to a predetermined maximum angle greater than zero degrees; and means for monitoring said angle for monitoring braking torque capability of said brake.