Metal Strip Side Guide Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling lateral guides of metal strips in rolling mills are limited in adjustment options and accuracy, leading to damage to the strips and guides due to inadequate force management and varying strip widths.
Innovation Solution
The method involves independent position control of two rulers on either side of the metal strip, with target positions adjusted based on measured forces within specific limits to optimize force distribution and reduce wear, using hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drives, and incorporating low-pass filtering to mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed target force is specified for the force-controlled ruler, then the control is simplified, but the rulers cannot be adjusted appropriately to different strip width profiles leading to poor guidance or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic force control where the target force for the force-controlled ruler is continuously adjusted based on the measured position of the position-controlled ruler. This creates an adaptive system that automatically adjusts to varying strip widths and profiles, eliminating the need for fixed force settings while maintaining simple operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the position measurement of one ruler to dynamically adjust the force control of the other ruler. The measured position information is fed back to the force controller, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to real-time conditions while keeping the control mechanism straightforward.
2Ease of operation
If the position-controlled side absorbs both the reaction force from the strip and the commanded force from the force-controlled side, then the force control is maintained, but damage to the tape and rulers occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the actual contact force on the position-controlled ruler and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the target force of the force-controlled ruler. This ensures that the force-controlled ruler compensates for the reaction force from the strip, preventing excessive force accumulation that would cause damage while maintaining effective force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical force absorption system with a sensor-based feedback control system. Force sensors measure the actual contact forces, and this information is used to dynamically adjust the hydraulic/pneumatic actuation, substituting passive mechanical force absorption with active controlled force management.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical coupling of both rulers with common regulation is used, then the system is easy to design, but adjustment options and control are very limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system into two independent control channels: one for position control and one for force control. Each ruler has its own independent actuator and control loop, eliminating the mechanical coupling while maintaining design simplicity. This segmentation provides full adjustment freedom for both rulers simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed with universal applicability through independent actuators that can operate in different modes (position or force control) as needed. Each ruler can be independently adjusted for different operational requirements, providing versatile control options while keeping the overall system design straightforward and modular.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a lateral guiding device for a metal strip (1), the lateral guiding device comprising a guide (2, 4) disposed laterally to the metal band (1) on both sides thereof, it being possible for the two guides (2, 4) to be displaced independently of each other, and both guides (2, 4) being operated in a position-controlled manner, forces of the metal strip that act on a first guide (2) of the two guides (2, 4) and on a second guide (4) of the two guides (2, 4) being measured, and the target position for the first and/or the second guide (2, 4) being controlled as a function of the forces measured at the first and at the second guide (2, 4), such that the lesser value of the forces measured at the first guide (2) and at the second guide (4) is above a selectable lower limit force and below a selectable upper limit force.