Overaging Chamber Roller Layout for Adjustable Strip Dwell Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional strip processing systems lack the ability to adjust the residence time of metal strips in aging chambers independently of belt speed, limiting their flexibility in processing strips of varying thicknesses or compositions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating movable deflection rollers in the aging chamber that can be vertically adjusted to vary the strip length, allowing independent control of dwell time without altering belt speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the strip length in the aging chamber is fixed by stationary deflection rollers, then the device structure is simple, but the residence time cannot be adjusted independently of strip speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresidence time adjustmentVSAvoiddeflection roller arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making at least one deflection roller movable in the vertical direction instead of stationary. This allows the effective strip length in the aging chamber to be dynamically adjusted, enabling independent control of residence time without changing strip speed. The movable roller can be positioned at different heights to create different strip path lengths, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the strip speed is increased to reduce residence time, then productivity increases, but the heating and cooling rates are affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidheating and cooling rates
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the control of residence time from strip speed control. Instead of using strip speed as the sole control parameter for residence time, the system segments the control functions: strip speed controls productivity while the movable deflection roller controls residence time. This allows optimization of both productivity and temperature control independently, resolving the contradiction between production capacity and heating/cooling rate maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If different metal strips with varying thicknesses or compositions are processed, then product versatility is improved, but different heat treatment parameters are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing different strip specificationsVSAvoidheat treatment parameter adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single aging chamber with a movable deflection roller that can handle multiple strip specifications. The movable roller provides a universal adjustment mechanism that adapts the residence time for different strip thicknesses and compositions without requiring separate processing lines or complex parameter changes. This one-chamber multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between processing versatility and parameter adjustment complexity.

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

Enables flexible and optimal heat treatment of different metal strips by adjusting dwell time based on specific strip parameters, enhancing production adaptability and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the metal strip is first heated to annealing temperature and held at this temperature for a specific period

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

continuous heat treatment of a metal strip, comprising an annealing furnace and a subsequent heated aging chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 3

the metal strip is first heated to annealing temperature and held at this temperature for a specific period

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal treatment: Heat Treatment

Implementation Method 4

follow a defined temperature curve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 5

the metal strip is cooled down according to a predetermined cooling rate to a defined over-aging temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentEP4348143B1Device and method for thermal treatment of a metal strip
Publication Date: 2026.01.21 ANDRITZ TECH & ASSET MANAGEMENT GMBH
  • EP4348143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4348143B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4348143B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a strip treatment system for the continuous thermal treatment of a metal strip (6), comprising an annealing furnace and a heatable overageing chamber (11) downstream thereof. In the overageing chamber (11), the metal strip (6) is guided over a plurality of vertically spaced deflecting rollers (12, 12', 13, 13') so that the metal strip meanders through the overageing chamber (11). According to the invention, at least one deflecting roller (12', 13') is movable in the vertical direction, thus allowing the strip length or the residence time of the metal strip (6) in the overageing chamber (11) to be adjusted. The invention also relates to a method for the thermal treatment of a metal strip (6).