Segmented Measuring Roller for Transverse Web Tension Profiling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional force-measuring devices for web materials only provide tension measurements across the entire width of the roller, failing to offer precise information about the distribution of web tension along the transverse direction, which is essential for further processing of cut webs in applications like label printing or packaging.

Innovation Solution

A segmented measuring roller with multiple, independently movable and lockable measuring segments, each equipped with a force transducer and strain gauges, allows for precise measurement of web tension along the transverse direction by routing measurement signals through axially extending electrical conductors to an evaluation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional force-measuring device with a single roller is used, then the web tension across the entire width can be measured, but precise information about the distribution of web tension along the transverse direction cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweb tension distribution measurementVSAvoidmeasuring roller structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring roller is divided into multiple independently movable measuring segments, each equipped with its own force transducer. This segmentation allows each segment to measure web tension at its specific transverse position, enabling precise mapping of tension distribution across the web width while keeping each segment's structure relatively simple and standardized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-point or integrated width measurement to multi-point transverse direction measurement by distributing measuring segments across the roller width. This dimensional expansion from one measurement point to multiple points across the transverse dimension enables comprehensive tension distribution mapping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measuring segments are added to measure web tension distribution, then precise transverse direction tension information is obtained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransverse direction tension distributionVSAvoidnumber of measuring segments and electrical conductors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each measuring segment is designed as a universal module that can be positioned at different transverse locations on the roller. The segments are identical in structure and function, allowing standardized manufacturing and simplifying the overall system design despite having multiple measurement points. The electrical conductors also follow a standardized axial routing pattern.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring segments are replicated across the roller width, with each segment being an identical copy of the basic measuring unit. This copying approach simplifies design and manufacturing by using the same standardized components repeatedly, rather than designing unique structures for each measurement position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If measuring segments are made movable and lockable on the axis, then adaptability to different measuring positions is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasuring segment positioningVSAvoidsegment positioning and locking
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring segments are designed to be dynamically positionable along the roller axis rather than fixed in predetermined locations. This dynamic positioning capability allows the segments to be moved to any required transverse position and locked in place, providing adaptability for different measurement configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 precise measurement of web tension in individual longitudinal strips of cut webs and tension profiles of uncut webs, facilitating better control of winding processes and reducing rejects due to unsuitable tension ratios, while allowing adaptability to different measurement requirements.

Implementation Method 1

each comprise a force transducer, which serves to determine the web tension of the longitudinal section of the material web wrapping around the respective measuring segment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStrain gauge measurement: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3892967B1Force measuring device for detecting web tensions of a moving web
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 FMS FORCE MEASURING SYST
  • EP3892967B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3892967B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3892967B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7(b)

AI summary

The invention relates to a force measuring device (20) for detecting web tension of a moving material web (10), which has a longitudinal direction defined by the direction of travel and a transverse direction, wherein the force measuring device (20) has an axis (22) and a measuring roller (30) supported on the axis and enclosed by the material web. According to the invention, the measuring roller is designed as a segmented measuring roller (30) with two or more measuring segments (32), which are separately displaceable on the axis (22) and lockable in a measuring position on the axis in order to position the measuring segments (32) according to desired measuring positions in the transverse direction of the material web (10), so that longitudinal sections (12) of the material web each enclose a measuring segment (32).The measuring segments (32) each comprise a force sensor (36) which serves to determine the web tension of the longitudinal section (12) of the material web enclosing the respective measuring segment (32) and which provides a holder with which the measuring segment (32) rests on the axis (22). The axis (22) is provided with electrical conductors (26) extending substantially axially across its entire width, which can be contacted axially at any point and with which the measurement signals supplied by the force sensors (36) of the measuring segments (22) can be transmitted to an evaluation unit (28) arranged at one end of the axis.