Strip Tension Control via Roller Ratio Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

In industrial strip processing, particularly in metal rolling, slipping rollers lead to process errors, coating wear, increased friction issues, and economic losses due to undetected slippage, which complicates operator recognition and maintenance, resulting in plant downtime and quality losses.

Innovation Solution

A method adjusts the tension ratio between first and second roller assemblies by changing the belt tension to approximate a target tension ratio, avoiding slipping and optimizing drive load distribution, which can be dynamically adapted based on material and roller design, using absolute and relative tension ratios to ensure efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If roller assemblies operate without tension ratio adjustment, then the system structure remains simple, but strip slippage occurs leading to coating wear and process errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip slippage preventionVSAvoidtension adjustment system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the tension ratio between drive rollers and idler rollers based on actual operating conditions. The control system modifies the tension parameter in real-time to prevent slippage, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying strip properties and operational demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual tension ratio between roller assemblies and comparing it with target values. The control system uses this feedback information to automatically adjust roller tensions, ensuring optimal performance and preventing slippage without requiring constant manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Extent of automation

If operators manually monitor roller slippage, then detection capability remains limited, but system automation increases leading to faster response to slippage conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslippage detection systemVSAvoidroller slippage detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated sensor-based detection systems. Tension sensors and control systems automatically monitor the tension ratio between roller assemblies, detecting slippage conditions through electrical and electronic means rather than human observation, thereby improving both automation level and detection accuracy.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary measurement devices and control systems that act as mediators between the mechanical roller assemblies and the monitoring function. These intermediaries (sensors, transducers, control units) translate mechanical tension states into detectable signals, making slippage detection more reliable and automated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If roller tension is increased to prevent slippage, then slippage resistance improves, but drive load increases leading to energy consumption and potential overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip grip stabilityVSAvoiddrive power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the roller tension adjustable and responsive to actual operating conditions rather than maintaining a constant high tension. The system dynamically optimizes the tension ratio between drive and idle rollers, applying only the necessary tension to prevent slippage, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining grip stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the tension parameter dynamically based on operational requirements. By adjusting the tension ratio between roller assemblies according to actual strip properties and processing conditions, the system achieves optimal grip stability with minimal energy expenditure, avoiding the inefficiency of continuously high tension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If roller assemblies use fixed tension settings, then system operation remains simple, but load distribution becomes unfavorable leading to drive overload

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation simplicityVSAvoiddrive load distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control to automatically monitor and adjust the load distribution between roller assemblies. The control system receives information about actual tension ratios and drive loads, then makes automatic adjustments to maintain optimal load distribution, eliminating the need for complex manual tuning while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through automated control systems that independently monitor and adjust roller tensions based on operating conditions. The system serves itself by automatically optimizing load distribution without requiring operator intervention, maintaining both simplicity of operation and reliability of load distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2315636B1Method for adjusting a tensile stress of a strip, control and/or regulation device, storage medium, program code for carrying out said method, and industrial plant for processing strips
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2315636B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2315636B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an industrial plant and a method for adjusting a tensile stress of a strip (B), in particular a metal strip. The strip (B) is simultaneously guided by means of a first combination of rolls (2) and a second combination of rolls (3), for both (2, 3) of which an actual transfer of tension is determined (24, 25). In order to improve the operation of a plant for processing strip-shaped material, in particular metal strips, the actual transfers of tension of the first and second combination of rolls (2, 3) are adjusted by modifying the tensile stress of the strip between the combination of rolls (2, 3) in such a way that the respective actual transfer of tension approaches (26) a predefined desired transfer of tension of the first and second combination of rolls.