Traction Controller Parameterization for Web Tension at Standstill

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current web processing machines face challenges in automatically and efficiently parameterizing tension controllers, requiring extensive user knowledge and time-consuming processes to ensure precise tension control, especially under varying conditions such as geometric irregularities and irregular winding.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves a standstill test to determine standstill controller parameters using a frequency characteristic method, followed by creep and speed tests to optimize controller parameters, allowing for automatic determination of traction controller settings without the need for extensive user expertise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual parameterization of tension controller is performed, then precise tension control can be achieved, but extensive user knowledge and time-consuming process are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension control precisionVSAvoidparameterization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tension controller automatically determines its own parameters by executing test sequences and evaluating measured values. The controller performs standstill tests, creep tests, and speed tests, then automatically calculates optimal parameters without requiring external user input or expertise, thus eliminating time-consuming manual parameterization while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary test sequences (standstill tests, creep tests, speed tests) before actual production operation to automatically determine controller parameters. These preliminary actions prepare the controller with optimized parameters in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual parameterization during setup while ensuring precise tension control from the start

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If automatic parameterization is implemented, then parameterization time is reduced, but extensive user knowledge is still needed for proper configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameterization timeVSAvoiduser expertise requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tension controller autonomously executes the entire parameterization process by automatically performing test sequences, measuring system responses, calculating parameters, and configuring itself. The controller requires no user input, knowledge, or intervention throughout the process, making it equally easy to operate for users regardless of their expertise level while achieving rapid automatic parameterization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If both rollers are controlled to maintain tensile force, then tension stability is improved, but system instability occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetensile force stabilityVSAvoidcontrol system stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into a master roller (typically the winder) and a slave roller (typically the tension roller). The master roller's speed is actively controlled to maintain tensile force, while the slave roller operates passively or with minimal control. This segmentation prevents the instability that occurs when both rollers are actively controlled, while still achieving adequate tension stability through the master roller's control actions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3988485B1Parameterization of a traction controller
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 B&R IND AUTOMATION GMBH
  • EP3988485B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3988485B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3988485B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A traction force controller (9) regulates the rotational speed (vg) of a controlled roller (2) of a web processing machine (1) in order to transport a material (3) at a line speed (v), subjected to a traction force (F), from the controlled roller (2) to another roller (6) or from another roller (6) to the controlled roller (2). To parameterize a traction force controller (9) of the controlled roller (2). During a standstill test (T0) at a line speed (v) of zero, the tractive force (F) is increased to an identification tractive force (Fw2), preferably 90% of a predetermined standstill tractive force operating point (Fop), in order to determine standstill track parameters of the tractive force track (GF,0) and to determine standstill controller parameters (RF,o) of the tractive force controller (9) from the standstill track parameters of the tractive force track (GF,0), preferably by means of a frequency characteristic curve method.The traction force controller (9) is parameterized with the standstill controller parameters (RF,o).