Electromagnet Strip Stabilizer for Galvanizing Line Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

In galvanizing plants, vibrations during the metal strip's passage over stabilization rollers and cooling sections lead to uneven zinc coating, resulting in over-galvanization due to the inability of existing stabilization systems to compensate for these vibrations effectively.

Innovation Solution

The arrangement of electromagnets and distance sensors on carriers directly attached to the nozzle structure allows for precise adjustment and stabilization of the metal strip, ensuring a homogeneous coating through controlled force exertion and simple assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If stabilization rollers and long cooling section are used to transport the strip, then the strip can be moved through the galvanizing line, but unwanted vibrations occur that cause over-galvanization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip transport efficiencyVSAvoidzinc coating uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs distance sensors to continuously measure the strip position and feeds this information back to the electromagnet control system. The control system adjusts the electromagnet forces in real-time based on the feedback signals, creating a closed-loop control system that actively compensates for vibrations and maintains precise strip positioning throughout the transport and galvanizing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the magnetic field parameters by adjusting the current supplied to the electromagnets based on measured strip position deviations. This allows the system to adapt the stabilizing force magnitude and distribution along the strip length, effectively counteracting vibrations at different frequencies and amplitudes without mechanical contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If electromagnets are arranged on opposite sides of the belt with distance sensors, then the central position of the strip can be regulated, but the assembly and adjustment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip position control accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnet and sensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the strip width into multiple measurement and control zones by arranging multiple distance sensors and electromagnets at different positions. Each sensor-electromagnet pair forms an independent measurement-control unit that can be adjusted and calibrated separately, simplifying the overall system assembly and maintenance while achieving comprehensive strip width coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the electromagnet assembly to serve multiple functions: position measurement (via integrated distance sensors), active position control (via electromagnetic force), and vibration damping. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate mechanical positioning mechanisms and simplifies the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 cost-effective and reliable adjustment of the strip's position, maintaining a minimal zinc layer and preventing over-galvanization by compensating for vibrations, thereby ensuring a uniform coating.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnets (10) being arranged on both sides of the strip (4) at a distance from it... which exert a force on the metal strip (4) transversely to its plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

distance sensors (11) which measure the distance of the strip (4) from a specified central position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP1918410B1Apparatus for stabilising the run of a metallic sheet
Publication Date: 2011.06.29 EMG AUTOMATION
  • EP1918410B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1918410B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1918410B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for stabilizing the movement of a metal strip exiting a nozzle assembly (6), particularly in a galvanizing plant, comprising at least one carrier (13) mounted on the nozzle assembly (6), which carries a housing (12) on each side of the nozzle gap, in which actuators (10) and distance sensors (11) are arranged that act on the metal strip (4), wherein the two housings (12) are adjustable relative to the carrier (13).