Bearing Block Cavity for Strip Roll Force Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for guiding metal strips using rolls face challenges in accurately measuring roll forces due to environmental influences and the need for sensors to be spatially close to deformation locations, which are not adequately addressed in prior technologies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a cavity in the bearing block to house the sensor unit and evaluation unit, allowing for contactless measurement using ultrasonic, eddy-current, or optical gap sensors, which are protected from environmental factors and positioned close to deformation points, facilitating reliable roll force measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor unit is mounted externally on the bearing block, then it is easily accessible for installation and maintenance, but it is exposed to environmental influences such as moisture that can affect measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is nested within a cavity in the bearing block, placing it inside the protected environment while maintaining its measurement function. This resolves the contradiction by providing both protection from environmental factors and sustained measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity acts as an intermediary structure that shields the sensor unit from environmental influences while allowing it to remain functionally connected to the measurement location. The bearing block material serves as the protective medium between the sensor and external environment.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor unit is positioned far from the deformation location, then it is protected from environmental influences, but the measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is nested within an internal cavity of the bearing block that is positioned adjacent to the deformation location. This allows the sensor to be both close to the measurement point for high precision and protected within the block structure from environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the sensor from an external surface position to an internal three-dimensional space within the bearing block. This dimensional transition allows the sensor to access the deformation field while being shielded by the block material.
3Reliability
If the bearing block is designed with a cavity for the sensor unit, then the sensor is protected and positioned optimally, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity is incorporated into the bearing block design from the beginning, allowing the sensor to be installed in its protected position during initial assembly. This preliminary integration avoids the need for complex retrofitted modifications later.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity serves multiple functions: it protects the sensor from environmental factors, positions it close to the deformation location for accurate measurement, and provides a mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables easy installation and provides reliable, long-term measurement results with minimal design modifications to the bearing block, ensuring accurate roll force computation through deformation detection.
Implementation Method 1
A design of the sensor unit in the form of an ultrasonic sensor, an eddy-current sensor, or an optical gap sensor offers the advantageous possibility of contactless measurement of the deformation
Implementation Method 2
A design of the sensor unit in the form of an ultrasonic sensor, an eddy-current sensor, or an optical gap sensor offers the advantageous possibility of contactless measurement of the deformation
Implementation Method 3
A design of the sensor unit in the form of an ultrasonic sensor, an eddy-current sensor, or an optical gap sensor offers the advantageous possibility of contactless measurement of the deformation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for guiding a strip, in particular a metal strip. Known apparatuses of this type have a carrier device (110) on which bearing blocks (120) arm fastened. Rollers (130) are rotatably mounted in the bearing blocks in order to guide the strip. So that the roller force acting on the roller in the loading case, i.e. during the guidance of the strip, can be measured in a lasting and reliable manner, it is proposed according to the invention to detect the deformation of the bearing block, in particular in the loading case, by means of a sensor device and ten to calculate the roller force required from the deformation of the bearing block by means of an evaluating device.