Rolling Mill Segment Tracking via Mass Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for tracking segments of rolling stock in rolling mills face challenges in accurate assignment during changes in speed or geometric changes, such as changes in strip thickness, leading to incorrect physical assignment and increased equipment complexity.

Innovation Solution

The method employs a mathematical process that evaluates measured variables and target values to segment the rolling stock, allowing for accurate tracking by integrating measurements across multiple points and using redundancy to ensure accuracy, with optional simplification by using non-measured target values and synchronization through automation systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If measurement data is recorded in a fixed time frame, then the sorting process is simplified, but the correct assignment to physical segments is not given for all operating states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting processVSAvoidassignment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the segmentation parameter from fixed time intervals to mass-based intervals. The rolling stock is segmented according to equal mass portions rather than equal time periods, which adapts the segmentation to actual physical conditions including speed variations and geometric changes. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining assignment accuracy across different operating states while still providing a systematic sorting approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If operating parameters are measured at several measuring points, then the accuracy of segment tracking increases, but the equipment complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesegment tracking accuracyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mathematical evaluation process as an intermediary that calculates virtual measuring points based on data from actual measuring points. This mathematical model acts as a mediator, allowing accurate segment tracking to be achieved without physically installing sensors at every possible location. The system computes what would be measured at virtual points using the continuity equation and measured data from fewer physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates virtual copies of measurement data through mathematical calculations. Instead of having physical sensors at every measuring point, the system generates virtual measurement data at unmeasured points by mathematically processing data from actual measuring points. These virtual measurements serve as copies that maintain the accuracy needed for segment tracking without the physical complexity of additional sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If more measuring points and sensors are used, then the accuracy of volume segmentation improves, but the costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolume segmentation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical sensors with a mathematical evaluation system. Instead of installing additional physical measuring devices to improve volume segmentation accuracy, the system uses mathematical models and continuity equations to calculate segment boundaries. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous physical sensors while maintaining high segmentation accuracy through computational methods.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2931446B1Method for operating a rolling mill
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP2931446B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2931446B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2931446B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a rolling mill (1), comprising the steps of recording at least one operating parameter as a measured actual value and identifying at least one mass segment or volume segment of a rolling material passing through using measured operating parameters and/or other operating parameters by means of integration, wherein at a specified measuring point (MO, M1, M2,..., Mn), at least one of the operating parameters comes from the group of strip thickness, strip width, strip speed, strip density and strip cross-section, and is factored into the identification process as an unmeasured target value.