Working Roller Axial Shift for Local Strip Edge Gap Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hot rolling technologies cannot effectively change the roll gap locally at the strip edges of rolled metal materials, such as steel or aluminum, without affecting the overall roll gap, which limits the ability to maintain strip planarity and profile during prolonged rolling campaigns without regrinding or replacing the working rollers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for local adjustment of the roll gap at the strip edges by axially displacing the working rollers in opposite directions based on wear measurements, using conical and running surface geometry to increase or decrease the roll gap size, thereby influencing the strip's thickness and planarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the roll gap is changed overall (non-locally), then the thickness of the strip can be adjusted, but the planarity and profile of the strip deteriorate due to edge drop
Solution Approach 1:
The roll gap adjustment is segmented into two independent components: overall roll gap control for thickness adjustment, and local roll gap control at strip edges for planarity and profile. This segmentation allows independent optimization of both global thickness parameters and local edge characteristics without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by providing different roll gap characteristics in different regions: the central region maintains a consistent roll gap for uniform thickness, while the edge regions have adjustable local roll gap to compensate for edge drop. This creates non-uniform roll gap distribution tailored to the specific quality requirements of different strip regions.
2Productivity
If working rollers are used for extended periods, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to wear and edge drop
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by proactively adjusting the local roll gap at strip edges based on predicted wear patterns before significant edge drop occurs. The control system continuously monitors rolling parameters and preemptively modifies the local roll gap to compensate for anticipated roller wear, maintaining thickness uniformity throughout the extended rolling campaign.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs feedback control by continuously monitoring strip thickness and profile during rolling, comparing actual measurements with target values, and automatically adjusting the local roll gap at strip edges in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system compensates for roller wear effects dynamically, maintaining manufacturing precision throughout the rolling campaign.
3Manufacturing precision
If the local roll gap is reduced at strip edges, then edge drop is compensated and planarity improves, but the complexity of the rolling apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves multi-functionality by designing the local roll gap adjustment mechanism to serve multiple purposes: compensating for edge drop, compensating for roller wear over time, and adapting to different strip specifications. The same control system handles various quality requirements without requiring separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements self-service by automatically determining the optimal local roll gap settings based on rolling parameters, strip characteristics, and wear patterns without requiring manual intervention. The system self-adjusts to maintain planarity and profile quality throughout the rolling campaign.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for locally changing a roll gap in the region of the strip edges (10) of a rolled strip (1) in a rolling stand (2). The roll gap can be changed locally in the region of the strip edges (10) of the strip (1) during the hot rolling. Axial displacement of the working rollers (3, 4) in opposite directions is by a displacement distance s, where s is greater than or less than Δr/tan(α) and Δr indicates the wear of the running surface (8) in the radial direction (R) and α indicates the pitch angle of the conical portion (7) of the respective working roller (3, 4).