Tension Roller Set With Flatness Measuring Roller Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing strip straightening systems face challenges in accurately measuring and maintaining the flatness of strips due to cramped installation conditions and measurement errors caused by driven tension rollers deforming under torque.

Innovation Solution

A tension roller set is designed with a first tension roller as a flatness measuring roller without a drive, allowing for accurate flatness measurement while minimizing deformation and measurement errors. The second tension roller is driven to apply torque, while the first roller relies on the strip tension for operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a driven tension roller is used to apply torque for straightening the strip, then the straightening effectiveness is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to roller deformation under torque

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrip flatnessVSAvoidflatness measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tension roller set is divided into two distinct functional components: a driven tension roller for applying torque to straighten the strip, and a separate flatness measuring roller for accurate measurement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between straightening effectiveness and measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flatness measuring roller is integrated into the tension roller set as an additional component that works in conjunction with the driven tension roller. The measuring roller is arranged to contact the strip at a different location than the driven roller, allowing simultaneous torque application and accurate flatness measurement within the same device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If a driven tension roller is used to apply torque, then the straightening function is improved, but the roller body and coating material deform causing measurement errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestraightening efficiencyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the torque application function (driven tension roller) from the measurement function (flatness measuring roller). The measuring roller is specifically designed without a drive mechanism, ensuring it remains undeformed and provides reliable measurements while the driven roller performs the straightening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flatness measuring roller acts as an intermediary component that transfers the strip tension force to the force sensor without being subjected to driving torque. This intermediary role allows accurate measurement of strip flatness while the driven roller independently performs the straightening function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If cramped installation conditions are present, then space utilization is improved, but the ability to optimally adjust the stretching zone and bending frame deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidadjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flatness measuring roller is integrated into the existing tension roller set structure, combining measurement functionality with the space-constrained tensioning system. This integration allows flatness measurement capability to be added without requiring separate installation space, while the measuring roller's specific design enables optimal adjustment of the stretching zone and bending frame within the available space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enables more effective strip straightening and tempering by providing accurate flatness measurements, reducing measurement errors, and minimizing deformation of the tension rollers.

Implementation Method 1

a force sensor for measuring a radial force (FR,1) exerted on the circumferential surface of the flatness measuring roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Implementation Method 2

the first tension roller is designed without a drive, in particular is designed to be driven by the strip tension

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP4005695B1Set of tensioning rollers for straightening a strip, straightening plant, skinpass frame assembly and method for operating a straightening plant
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 VDEH BETRIEBSFORSCHUNGSINSTITUT GMBH
  • EP4005695B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4005695B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4005695B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Tensioning roller set (3, 4) for a straightening machine (1) for straightening a strip (2) or for a finishing rolling stand for re-rolling a strip, wherein the tensioning roller set (3, 4) comprises: • a first tensioning roller (8) with a first roller axis and • at least one second tensioning roller (9) with a second roller axis, wherein the first tensioning roller (8) is a flatness measuring roller having a force sensor for measuring a radial force exerted on the circumferential surface of the flatness measuring roller, and a drive is provided for the second tensioning roller (9) with which a torque about the second roller axis can be applied to the second tensioning roller (9), wherein: • either the first tensioning roller (8) is designed without a drive; • or an auxiliary drive is provided for the first tensioning roller with which a torque about the first roller axis can be applied to the first tensioning roller, wherein the auxiliary drive for the first tensioning roller is designed to be less powerful than the drive for the second tensioning roller.