Dynamic Measuring Roller for Metal Strip Width Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the width and position of metal strips or slabs in harsh environments, such as hot strip mills, are prone to failure due to high temperatures, scale, water, and vibrations, leading to measurement errors and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor arranged on a pivotable support arm, actuated by linear actuators, uses a feeler roller designed with heat-resistant and wear-resistant materials, allowing dynamic positioning and contact measurement, while also offering a non-contact optical scanning option for robust and accurate width determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical sensors or cameras are used for width measurement, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to scale, water, and environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical measurement systems with a mechanical measuring roller that physically contacts the metal strip. The roller's deflection, measured by strain gauges, directly indicates strip width. This mechanical approach eliminates susceptibility to environmental factors like scale, water, and steam that plague optical systems in hot strip mills.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring roller acts as a mechanical intermediary between the strip and the measurement system. Instead of using light that can be scattered or absorbed by environmental contaminants, the roller mechanically transfers strip width information to strain gauges through controlled deflection, providing reliable measurement in harsh conditions.
2Measurement precision
If a measuring roller is used for width measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to damage from high temperatures, vibrations, and mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring roller is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to varying strip conditions. The roller can deflect elastically to follow strip edge variations while maintaining contact, and the system responds dynamically to changing measurement conditions without damage or loss of accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is pre-loaded with a controlled force through spring elements or adjustable mechanisms. This pre-loading cushions the roller against impacts and mechanical shocks from vibrations and strip irregularities, preventing damage while maintaining measurement capability in the harsh hot strip mill environment.
3Speed
If the measuring roller is pressed firmly against the strip edge, then measurement response speed improves, but the strip edge may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force of the measuring roller is made adjustable and can be optimized for different strip types and conditions. By controlling the normal force parameter, the system achieves sufficient contact pressure for rapid measurement response while staying below the threshold that would cause strip edge damage or deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller surface is designed with specific local properties - perhaps a softer or more compliant material at the contact point - that allow it to conform to the strip edge without causing damage. The local quality of the roller surface enables gentle contact that maintains measurement speed while protecting the strip.
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
The solution provides a robust and highly dynamic measurement system that is insensitive to environmental conditions, ensuring accurate width and position measurement of metal strips or slabs across varying thicknesses and temperatures, enhancing the geometric quality and economic efficiency of hot strip mills.
Implementation Method 1
Strain gauges are attached to the elastic arm, so that when the arm is deflected, the deflection of the roller can be determined and thus the bandwidth can be determined using two such measuring systems.
Implementation Method 2
the lateral edge of the metal strip being detected by means of an optical system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4c
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the width (B) and/or the position of a metal strip (2) or a slab, which has at least two measuring systems (3, 4), with each located on a side (5, 6) of the metal strip (2) or the slab, wherein each measuring system (3, 4) has a sensor (7) designed to detect the lateral end (8, 9) of the metal strip (2). To make the measuring device robust and to enable dynamic measurement, according to the invention the sensor (7) is located on a moving element (10) with which it can be moved in a straight line in a direction (Q) at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) of the metal strip (2).