Slab Cutting Position Control for Yield in Continuous Casting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing continuous casting equipment-connected rolling systems face challenges in improving product yield and productivity, particularly due to inaccuracies in cutting position control.

Innovation Solution

A cutting position control device that utilizes sensors and an arithmetic processing circuit to accurately measure and adjust the cutting positions of slabs in a continuous casting equipment-connected rolling system, allowing for real-time correction and optimization of cutting positions using a process control device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If cutting position is determined by standard control programs, then productivity is maintained, but manufacturing precision of cutting position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting position precisionVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculation of the actual cutting position based on measured slab length and speed-time integration before the cutting operation. This advance determination allows the standard control program to execute without delays while achieving precise cutting positions through pre-computed correction values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by measuring the actual slab length with sensors, comparing it with the standard length, and using this information to calculate and apply correction values to the cutting position. This closed-loop feedback ensures manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time control modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of substance

If cutting position is adjusted to improve yield, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslab scrap rateVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the parameter of cutting position from a fixed standard value to a dynamically calculated value based on actual slab measurements. By modifying only the cutting position parameter while keeping the overall control architecture simple, the system reduces scrap without introducing complex device modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary calculation step that determines the corrected cutting position based on measured slab parameters. This intermediary computation layer bridges the simple standard control program and the requirement for precise cutting, reducing scrap without directly complicating the control hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time cutting position correction is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting position accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex real-time mechanical measurement and adjustment mechanisms with arithmetic calculations based on speed-time integration and sensor data. This substitution performs real-time correction through computation rather than physical intervention, maintaining manufacturing precision without adding processing time.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4155007B1Cutting position control device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 TMEIC CORP
  • EP4155007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4155007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4155007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cutting position control device according to an embodiment includes an arithmetic processing circuit that receives an input of first data relating to a production schedule and material information of a material to be produced, uses the first data to calculate a first cutting position of a first cutter for a first slab cast by continuous casting equipment, generates a first parameter for setting the first cutting position for a control program introduced to a process control device, and determines whether or not to use a second cutter to further cut a second slab of a second length cut from the first slab based on the first parameter by comparing the second length and a first length set to be from a front end of the first slab to the first cutting position, wherein the second cutter is located downstream of the first cutter.