Web-Tension Measuring Device with Bidirectional Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web tension measuring devices require complex designs with pre-tensioning elements to measure compressive forces and are limited by installation orientation, making reliable tension measurement challenging and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A force sensor capable of detecting both tensile and compressive loads is integrated into a web tension measuring device, allowing for reliable tension measurement regardless of installation position, using a shear sensor to measure loads indirectly via reaction forces and moments on a roller's bearing arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a compressive force sensor is used in a rocker-like structure with pre-tensioning elements, then compressive force measurement is enabled, but the device complexity increases and installation orientation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the force sensor from compressive-only to bidirectional (tensile and compressive) capability. This allows the same sensor to measure both types of forces without requiring complex pre-tensioning mechanisms or orientation restrictions, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring both tensile and compressive forces with a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors or complex mechanical arrangements for different measurement modes, directly reducing device complexity and removing installation orientation constraints.
2Reliability
If load cell orientation is fixed to measure compressive force, then measurement reliability is improved, but adaptability to different installation positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor's measurement capability is changed from orientation-dependent (compressive only) to orientation-independent (bidirectional). This parameter change allows the sensor to reliably measure forces regardless of installation position, simultaneously improving reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor is designed with universal applicability across different installation orientations. It can measure both tensile and compressive forces in any position, making the system adaptable to various installation configurations while maintaining measurement reliability through consistent bidirectional sensing capability.
3Measurement precision
If pre-tensioning elements are added to enable compressive force measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fundamental parameter of the force sensor is changed to support bidirectional force measurement. This eliminates the need for additional pre-tensioning elements and complex mechanical arrangements, significantly simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling comprehensive force measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex pre-tensioning element system from the design. By using a bidirectional force sensor, the unnecessary pre-tensioning components are eliminated, reducing manufacturing effort and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining full measurement capability.
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
Enables reliable web tension measurement across various orientations with reduced design complexity, facilitating efficient and versatile installation in machines producing or treating fibrous webs like paper, cardboard, or tissue paper.
Implementation Method 1
A shear sensor, which measures shear loads, is particularly preferred as the force transducer. This allows both tensile and compressive loads between the two plates to be measured simultaneously with a single sensor.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A web-tension-measuring device having two plates, which can be rotated relative to one another about an axis of rotation, to be precise such that the one free end of the one plate can be moved towards, or away from, the corresponding, opposite free end of the other plate, having a force transducer arranged in the region of the free ends of the two plates, wherein the force transducer is arranged outside the axis of rotation and is designed such that, during movement of the free ends of the two plates towards one another, it detects a corresponding compressive loading arising from said movement and, during movement of the free ends away from one another, it detects a corresponding tensile loading between said two plates.