Patent Number: 053596331
Section: claims

1. A method of assembly a fuel assembly, the method comprising the steps of: setting a plurality of grids in a predetermined position, wherein each grid has a plurality of grid cells for firmly holding a plurality of fuel rods, each fuel rod is firmly held in a grid cell formed with four walls, and wherein each pair of opposing walls are provided with a pair of holding means comprising a dimple and a spring formed on opposing walls;  subsequently, deactivating said springs formed on said walls of said grid cells by key means;  subsequently, inserting at least one of said fuel rods into said grids;  subsequently, removing said key means thereby activating said springs so as to provide firm holding of said fuel rods in said grids;  subsequently, inserting a plurality of control rod guide thimbles into a plurality of predetermined grid cells of said grids; and  subsequently, rigidly fixing said control rod guide thimbles to said predetermined grid cells.