Oblique-Beam Measuring Roller for Accurate Strip Edge Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring rollers for determining the flatness of strip-shaped materials, particularly metal strips, suffer from measurement errors due to vibrations and disturbances caused by transverse forces, leading to inaccurate determination of strip edge positions and widths.

Innovation Solution

A measuring roller design with a beam extending obliquely within a recess, allowing for precise determination of strip edge positions by analyzing the force sensor measurements as the strip contacts and moves along the beam, and optionally incorporating additional force sensors for flatness and tension measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If force sensors are arranged in radial recesses of the measuring roller to measure flatness, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibrations and transverse forces causing inaccurate strip edge position determination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrip edge position determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability under vibration and transverse force

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is designed with an asymmetric orientation where its longitudinal axis is not parallel to the axis of rotation and not perpendicular to it either. This asymmetric arrangement allows the beam to contact the strip at a specific point that moves along the beam during rotation, enabling precise edge position determination while minimizing the influence of vibrations and transverse forces on the measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from traditional radial force sensor arrangement to a beam extending in a non-radial, non-axial direction. This dimensional change in beam orientation creates a new measurement geometry where the contact point movement along the beam provides additional spatial information for accurate edge position determination while reducing sensitivity to harmful vibrations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional measuring rollers with radial force sensors are used, then flatness measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases due to sealing requirements and force shunts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement function capabilityVSAvoidsealing and force shunt structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex sealing mechanisms (O-rings, plastic layers) and force shunts from the traditional radial sensor arrangement. By using a beam that extends into the recess and contacts the strip directly, the force transmission path is simplified, removing the need for complex sealing and force shunt structures while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having force sensors radially arranged and protected by complex sealing structures, the invention inverts the approach by using a beam that protrudes into the recess to contact the strip. This inversion simplifies the force transmission path and eliminates the need for complex sealing mechanisms while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Accurately determines the position of strip edges and widths by minimizing measurement errors from vibrations, enabling precise characterization of strip-shaped materials.

Implementation Method 1

a beam (301) disposed in the recess (300) and extending along a longitudinal axis (302)... a first force sensor (303) arranged in the recess (300), on which the beam (301) is supported within the recess (300)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250326018A1Measuring Roller for Determining A Characteristic Of A Strip-Shaped Material Passed Over The Measuring Roller, Use Of A Measuring Roller For Determining A Characteristic Of A Strip-Shaped Material Passed Over The Measuring Roller, And Method For Determining The Position Of A Strip Edge Of A Strip-Shaped Material

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 VDEH BETRIEBSFORSCHUNGSINSTITUT GMBH

AI summary

A method for determining a property of a strip-shaped material includes passing the strip-shaped material over a measuring roller having a measuring roller body with a circumferential surface, at least one recess in the measuring roller body, at least one beam in the recess and extending along a longitudinal axis, and a force sensor arranged in the recess. The beam is supported within the recess on the force sensor. The measuring roller body extends along an axis of rotation and the longitudinal axis of the beam is not parallel to the axis of rotation of the measuring roller body; the longitudinal axis of the beam does not extend in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the measuring roller body. The position of a strip edge of the strip-shaped material is determined relative to a reference point or a reference line or a reference plane.