Rolling Mill Roll Measurement Feedback for Accurate Gap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current roll models used in rolling processes are flawed in determining roll temperatures and wear, which affects the accuracy of the roll gap calculation, especially at smaller gaps, and cannot measure these parameters directly during operation.

Innovation Solution

A bearing device equipped with a measuring system that allows for the independent detection of roll temperatures and diameters along the roll axes at predefined positions, enabling accurate measurement and adaptation of the roll model.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If roll models are used to determine temperatures and diameters of rolls, then the roll gap can be calculated, but the accuracy is insufficient especially for small roll gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll gap calculation accuracyVSAvoidroll model accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where actual roll temperatures and diameters measured by the measuring system are fed back to adapt and optimize the roll model. The automation unit uses these measured values to continuously improve the accuracy of the roll model, creating a closed-loop system that enhances prediction accuracy for future roll gap calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely theoretical/mathematical roll model with direct physical measurements using a measuring system. Instead of relying solely on computational models to estimate roll temperatures and diameters, the system uses actual measurements from sensors and measuring devices to obtain accurate values, substituting mechanical/physical measurement methods for theoretical calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex models are used to calculate roll gap taking into account multiple factors, then the calculation accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll gap calculation accuracyVSAvoidmeasuring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement task into separate independent measurements for different parameters (temperatures at various positions, diameters at various positions) using multiple specialized measuring devices. Each device focuses on measuring one specific parameter, which simplifies the design and operation of individual devices while collectively providing comprehensive data for accurate roll gap calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring system is designed with multi-functionality where the same bearing device and measuring system can measure both temperatures and diameters of rolls. The system can adapt to measure different parameters by switching between different measuring devices, reducing the need for separate specialized systems for each measurement task.

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

3Measurement precision

If roll temperatures and diameters are measured individually and independently at predefined positions, then the data accuracy for model adaptation improves, but the measurement time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroll parameter measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs measurements at predefined positions along the roll axes, establishing measurement locations in advance. The bearing device positions itself at predetermined locations to take measurements, which streamlines the measurement process by eliminating the need to determine measurement positions during the actual measurement, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3851217B1Improved roll model adaptation
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 PRIMETALS TECH GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3851217B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3851217B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3851217B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

A storage device (6) for two identical rolls (3) of a rolling mill (2) is either an integral part of the rolling mill (2) or can be positioned relative to the rolling mill (2) such that the rolls (3) can be transferred from the rolling mill (2) to the storage device (6) or vice versa. It has at least one measuring system (7) by means of which the temperatures and/or diameters of the rolls (3), viewed in the direction of the roll axes, can be individually and independently measured at least at predefined measurement positions. After transmission to an automation unit controlling the rolling mill (2), the automation unit can adapt a roll model by means of which it repeatedly determines the temperatures and/or diameters of the two identical rolls (3), viewed in the direction of the roll axes, at least at predefined measurement positions, based on operating data of the rolling mill (2).