Nuclear flux thimble irradiation target insertion and retrieval mechanism

A coupling system for transferring an irradiation target assembly through an outer tube, the coupling system comprising:

• a coupling insert for a transfer system, the coupling insert comprising:
• an insertion head;
• and
• a receiving end adapted to receive a driven cable assembly of the transfer system;
• and
• a coupler for an irradiation target assembly, the coupler comprising:
• a housing, the housing comprising:
• a proximal end comprising an opening having a first diameter adapted to surround the insertion head and a first interface, wherein the first interface is adapted to slidably receive the insertion head;
• a distal end, the distal end comprising an interface adapted to removably couple to the irradiation target assembly;
• and
• a side section defining a cavity therein, the side section comprising a plurality of side bores transversely extending into the cavity, wherein the side section axially extends between the proximal end and the distal end;
• and
• a brake assembly, the brake assembly comprising:
• a plunger positioned within the cavity, the plunger comprising a proximal shaft, a distal shaft, and a middle section, wherein the proximal shaft and the distal shaft axially extend from the middle section, and wherein the proximal shaft of the plunger is accessible through the opening of the proximal end of the housing;
• a spring positioned around the distal shaft of the plunger, wherein the spring is adapted to exert a default force on the plunger;
• and
• a plurality of braking balls, wherein the braking balls are adapted to be outwardly driven by the plunger into the outer tube, wherein the plunger is adapted to exert a transverse force on the plurality of braking balls based on the default force;
• wherein the brake assembly is adapted to provide an immobilizing transverse force to the plurality of braking balls based on the default force, wherein the immobilizing transverse force is adapted to maintain an axial position of the coupler within the outer tube.