Rubber Strand Thickness Detection Using Pivotable Measuring Arm

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rubber strand manufacturing systems face reliability issues in detecting strand thickness, especially for small diameters less than 3 mm, due to sensitivity to moisture and potential for measurement errors from water droplets or acidic environments, which can lead to false triggering and increased design complexity.

Innovation Solution

A thickness detection device with a pivotable measuring arm and an angle sensor that measures the swivel angle, designed to be robust and less sensitive to environmental conditions, including moisture and acidity, allowing for accurate detection of strand thickness with a roller at the free end to optimize material contact and prevent jamming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a light barrier is used for detecting the rubber strand, then the detection can be performed, but water droplets and water mist falsify the measurement and cause false triggering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsensitivity to moisture

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical detection system (light barrier) with a mechanical detection system (measuring arm with roller). The measuring arm physically contacts the rubber strand and pivots based on the strand thickness, converting the detection task from optical to mechanical domain where moisture does not interfere with measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The roller at the free end of the measuring arm acts as an intermediary between the detection system and the rubber strand. This roller contacts the strand surface without being affected by water droplets or mist, allowing accurate mechanical detection while isolating the sensing mechanism from harmful environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If protective roofs are attached over light barriers to prevent false triggering, then measurement accuracy improves, but design complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddesign complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for protective roofs by replacing the optical system with a mechanical one. The measuring arm with roller is inherently insensitive to moisture, so no additional protective structures are required, thereby reducing design complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the light barrier is installed at a very small distance above the line, then detection accuracy improves, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical measuring arm system allows for flexible positioning and adjustment without the cost constraints of optical systems. The arm can be positioned optimally for measurement accuracy while using standard installation practices, avoiding the need for expensive close-proximity mounting required by light barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the measuring arm is made long to avoid bulges during startup, then the system becomes more robust, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem robustnessVSAvoidmeasuring arm design

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring arm is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot and adjust its position. This dynamic capability allows the arm to navigate over strand bulges and irregularities during startup without requiring excessive length or complex structural reinforcements, maintaining robustness while controlling design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes preliminary detection capabilities that can identify upcoming bulges or irregularities in the rubber strand. This allows the measuring arm to be positioned or adjusted in advance to avoid damage from excessive length requirements, reducing the need for overly long arms while maintaining system robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

The solution provides reliable and accurate detection of strand thickness across varying conditions, including small diameters, and is tolerant of fluctuations, ensuring system functionality and preventing damage during startup, while reducing the need for additional design features like protective roofs.

Implementation Method 1

the swivel angle is measured by means of an angle sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAngular measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3208067B1Rubber strand production installation with thickness measuring device

Publication Date: 2018.09.12 KRAUSSMAFFEI BERSTORFF GMBH

Figure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a rubber strand manufacturing system comprising a rubber strand manufacturing device for producing a rubber strand and a thickness detection device for measuring the strand thickness of the rubber strand. According to the invention, it is proposed that the thickness detection device has a measuring arm that is pivotably arranged and whose pivot angle changes depending on the strand thickness.