Shaft coupling and uncoupling tool

A tool for uncoupling and coupling an extension shaft assembly from a control element assembly of a nuclear reactor during reactor servicing, wherein the extension shaft assembly is transitionable between a coupled configuration where the extension shaft assembly is coupled to the control element assembly and an uncoupled configuration where the extension shaft assembly is uncoupled from the control element assembly, and wherein the tool comprises:

• a framework selectively attachable to the extension shaft assembly;
• a linear actuator comprising a linear drive that is actuatable relative to the framework through an actuation stroke;
• a microcontroller coupled to the linear actuator, wherein the microcontroller is to actuate the linear drive of the linear actuator;
• a power source connector coupled to the microcontroller, wherein the power source connector is to be coupled to a power source for supplying power to the microcontroller and the linear actuator;
• a plunger shaft selectively attachable to the extension shaft assembly, wherein the plunger shaft is movable relative to the framework and is operably engaged with the linear drive, wherein the extension shaft assembly is transitionable from the coupled configuration to the uncoupled configuration when the framework is attached to the extension shaft assembly, the plunger shaft is attached to the extension shaft assembly, and the linear drive of the linear actuator moves the plunger shaft through a first actuation stroke in a first direction, wherein the extension shaft assembly is transitionable from the uncoupled configuration to the coupled configuration when the framework is attached to the extension shaft assembly, the plunger shaft is attached to the extension shaft assembly, and the linear drive of the linear actuator moves the plunger shaft through a second actuation stroke in a second direction opposite the first direction;
• and
• a sensor coupled to the microcontroller and the linear actuator, wherein the sensor monitors a parameter indicative of a force experienced by the extension shaft assembly during at least one of the first actuation stroke or the second actuation stroke.