TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................. 2
TYPES OF CAMS AND FOLLOWERS ............................................................................................ 2
EVALUATION OF RADIAL PLATE CAMS..................................................................................... 2
Knife Edge Follower ......................................................................................................................... 2
Flat Foot Followers ........................................................................................................................... 3
Roller Followers ................................................................................................................................ 3
EVALUATION OF CYLINDRICAL CAMS ...................................................................................... 4
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS ................................................... 5
Roller Followers with Radial Plate Cams: ...................................................................................... 5
Cylindrical Cams for Space-Constrained Applications:................................................................ 5
1
INTRODUCTION
Considering nuclear power plants are located in challenging locations with high
electromagnetic fields and radioactive the surrounding area, robotic systems dependability and
durability are essential. Under these circumstances, sophisticated electronics may be
weakened, thereby requiring mechanical solutions such as cams and followers. The reliability,
flexibility of regular consumption, and convenience of use of the various radial plate and
cylindrical cams and followers are the key evaluation criteria in this article.
TYPES OF CAMS AND FOLLOWERS
1. Radial Plate Cams
➢ Knife Edge Follower
➢ Flat Foot Followers
➢ Roller Followers
➢ Spherical Follower
2. Cylindrical Cams
EVALUATION OF RADIAL PLATE CAMS
Knife Edge Follower
Since, it’s edge is sharp, contact area will be zero, hence wear will be infinite. In this side thrust
on the follower against guide walls. Not suitable for the use.
Figure 1: Knife Edge Follower
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Flat Foot Followers
➢ Advantages:
➢ Simplicity and Cost-Effectiveness.
➢ Suitable for environments where high precision is not critically required.
➢ Disadvantages:
➢ Wear and Tear is less as compare to knife edge.
➢ Less precise than roller followers, making them unsuitable for high-precision
tasks. Not suitable for the use in nuclear power.
Figure 2: Flate Follower
Roller Followers
• Advantages:
➢ Reduced Friction and Wear: The roller minimizes friction, resulting in less
wear and tear and lower maintenance requirements.
➢ Roller followers provide smooth and accurate motion.
➢ Roller followers are ideal for critical applications within nuclear power stations
due to their precision and durability.
• Disadvantages:
➢ Complexity and Cost: The design and manufacturing processes are more
complex and costly compared to flat foot followers.
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Figure 3: Roller Follower
EVALUATION OF CYLINDRICAL CAMS
Advantages:
➢ Space Efficiency: Cylindrical cams are suitable for compact spaces.
➢ Versatility: They can provide various types of motion depending on the design of the
follower.
➢ Durability: They can handle high loads and harsh conditions,
Disadvantages: Complexity and Maintenance
Suitability for Nuclear Environments:
➢ Cylindrical cams are suitable for space-constrained applications within nuclear power
stations. Their robustness and ability to handle various motions make them versatile.
However, ensure maintenance procedures are well-defined.
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Figure 4: Cylindrical Cam Follower
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS
Roller Followers with Radial Plate Cams:
➢ These followers have a prolonged duration, less friction, and great precision, which
makes them perfect for demanding applications that need dependability. They perform
better in nuclear situations
Cylindrical Cams for Space-Constrained Applications:
➢ Because of their resilience and compact construction, they are appropriate for small
spots. To handle the level of difficulty, make sure that appropriate procedure for
maintenance is in operation.