Inspection and Sampling Device for Coiled Metal Strip

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for inspecting and sampling coiled metal strips struggle to efficiently handle both thin and thick metal strips, as conventional scissors are not suitable for cutting thick strips, and separate devices are often required for different thicknesses.

Innovation Solution

A device with an inspection device for thin strips and a sampling device with a separating mechanism, such as a plasma cutting machine or rotating cutting disk, arranged opposite the inspection device, allowing for efficient sampling of thick strips using a threading aid and a hold-down roller to secure the bundle, while a single binding device can handle both thin and thick strips.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional scissors are used for sampling metal strips, then thin metal strips can be cut efficiently, but thick metal strips cannot be processed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to process different metal strip thicknessesVSAvoidneed for multiple sampling devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by integrating both an inspection device (with scissors for thin strips) and a sampling device (with separating mechanism for thick strips) into a single combined apparatus. This allows the same device to handle both thin and thick metal strips through different operational modes, eliminating the need for separate devices and improving adaptability across different material thicknesses.

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

2Reliability

If separate inspection and sampling devices are used for thin and thick strips, then each function is optimized, but investment costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional optimization for specific thicknessesVSAvoidnumber of separate devices required
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inspection device and sampling device into a single integrated system. The inspection device with scissors remains functional for thin strips, while the added sampling device with separating mechanism handles thick strips. Both subsystems operate within the same apparatus, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining functional optimization for different thickness ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single device handles both thin and thick strips, then investment costs are reduced, but handling reliability for thick strips may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidhandling and cutting effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing specialized mechanisms for different thickness requirements within the same device. The inspection device with scissors is optimized for thin strips, while the sampling device with separating mechanism (plasma cutting or rotating disk) is specifically designed for thick strips. Each subsystem maintains its specialized functionality, ensuring reliable handling and processing appropriate to the specific material thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If conventional cutting methods are used, then thin strips can be inspected simply, but thick strips require complex separating mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of inspection processVSAvoidcomplexity of sampling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the processing functions into distinct subsystems: an inspection device for thin strip examination and a sampling device for thick strip separation. Each subsystem is independently optimized for its specific function, allowing the simple inspection process to remain unchanged while adding the necessary complex separating mechanism only where needed for thick material handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient inspection of thin metal strips and sampling of thick metal strips in the same device, reducing investment costs by eliminating the need for multiple transport devices and binding devices, and ensuring reliable handling and adhesion of thick strips.

Implementation Method 1

The sampling device (10) has a separating device (12) which is designed to take a sample of the metal strip (3) at least then, if the metal strip (3) is a thick metal strip (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

The sampling device (10) has a separating device (12) which is designed to take a sample of the metal strip (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

ensuring reliable handling and adhesion of thick strips

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3067127B1Device for inspecting and sampling a reeled metal strip
Publication Date: 2019.10.09 PRIMETALS TECH AUSTRIA GMBH
  • EP3067127B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

A device (1) for inspecting and sampling a coiled bundle (2) of metal strip (3) includes a storage device for the coiled bundle (2). The storage device has at least two adjacent base rollers (4) with roller axes (5) running parallel to each other, onto which the coil (2) is placed for storage. The device (1) includes an inspection device (6) arranged laterally to the side of the storage device. The inspection device (6) is designed to inspect the metal strip (3), at least when the metal strip (3) is a thin metal strip. In addition to the inspection device (6), the device (1) includes a sampling device (10) which, relative to the storage device, is arranged opposite the inspection device (6), so that the storage device is located between the inspection device (6) and the sampling device (10).The sampling device (10) has a separating device (12) which is designed to take a sample of the metal strip (3), at least when the metal strip (3) is a thick metal strip.