Vertical Roller Frame Calibration Using Stationary Stop Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for calibrating vertical rolling stands require manual intervention, are time-consuming, and reduce system availability, as they necessitate personnel to be present in the danger zone for measurement and adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An automated method for calibrating vertical rolls, where the rolls are adjusted transversely against a stationary stop with known position, using reference surfaces on both movable and stationary components to calculate and achieve a calibrated initial distance, allowing for automatic positioning without manual measurement in the danger zone.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual measurement methods are used for calibration, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but personnel must be present in the danger zone and calibration is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of calibrationVSAvoidcomplexity of calibration system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A laser scanner serves as an intermediary device that automatically measures the position of vertical rolls without requiring personnel to enter the danger zone. The laser scanner captures point cloud data of the rolls and calculates their positions relative to the center line, enabling automated calibration while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional manual mechanical measurement methods are replaced with an optical measurement system using a laser scanner. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically measure the rolls in the danger zone, enabling automated calibration and improving safety while reducing calibration time.

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

2Productivity

If manual calibration procedures are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but system availability is reduced due to time-consuming calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser scanner can perform measurements continuously and automatically, capturing point cloud data of all vertical rolls in a single scanning operation. This continuous automated measurement process significantly reduces calibration time compared to manual methods, thereby increasing system availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The calibration system performs self-measurement and self-calibration using the laser scanner to automatically capture data and calculate roll positions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention during calibration, reducing calibration time and improving system availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If personnel are present in the danger zone for measurement, then direct measurement is possible, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of calibration processVSAvoidlevel of automated measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The laser scanner acts as an intermediary measurement device that operates remotely from the danger zone. It automatically scans and measures the vertical rolls without requiring personnel to be present in hazardous areas, thereby improving safety while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated data capture and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4100178B1Method for automatically calibrating vertical rollers of a vertical roller frame and calibration arrangement for carrying out said method
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 SMS GROUP GMBH
  • EP4100178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4100178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4100178B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for automatically calibrating vertical rollers (7) of a vertical roller frame (1), each of which rollers are mounted in a vertical roller unit (3) which is adjustable in relation to a specified center line (2) of a plurality of components arranged in a roller train. The method comprises the method steps of: a) adjusting the vertical roller units (3) to a calibration position crosswise to the center line (2) against at least one stationary stop of the vertical roller frame (1), which has a specific known position in relation to the center line (2), b) calculating a calibrated starting distance Akal between an outside edge (13) of a vertical roller, which outside edge points toward a rolled material or to the center line (2), and the center line (2) in the calibration position, and c) engaging the vertical roller units (3) in a defined operating position. The invention further relates to a calibration arrangement on a vertical roller frame (1) for carrying out the method.