Non-Contact Web Tension Detection via Transverse Vibration Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tension measuring devices in material processing machines are prone to inaccuracies due to external physical influences such as temperature fluctuations, mechanical vibrations, and imbalances, which affect the measurement of material web parameters like tension, speed, and elasticity.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact method using sensors to detect vibration parameters of transverse vibrations in the material web, such as radar, Doppler radar, ultrasonic, or laser sensors, which are insensitive to mechanical influences and allow for accurate determination of web tension and other parameters without wear, enabling precise control of web tension during processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional tension measuring devices are used, then web tension can be measured, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to external physical influences such as temperature fluctuations, mechanical vibrations, and imbalances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidexternal physical influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based tension measuring devices with a non-contact vibration analysis system. Sensors detect transverse vibrations of the material web without physical contact, eliminating the mechanical connection that causes sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, mechanical vibrations, and imbalances. The system measures vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, waveform) and calculates web tension from these parameters, achieving immunity to the harmful external factors that affect conventional mechanical sensors.

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

2Reliability

If mechanical contact-based sensors are used, then web parameters can be detected, but device wear occurs reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidsensor lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with non-contact vibration sensors that detect web parameters through vibration analysis. This eliminates physical contact and associated wear mechanisms, allowing the sensing system to operate indefinitely without degradation from friction, adhesion, or mechanical fatigue. The sensors measure vibration characteristics of the web as it passes through the machine, enabling continuous long-term operation without replacement or maintenance.

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

3Measurement precision

If non-contact vibration sensors are used, then measurement accuracy improves and immunity to external influences is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces vibration parameters (frequency, amplitude, waveform characteristics) as an intermediary between the material web and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring web tension or properties, the system measures how the web responds to transverse vibrations and derives tension information from these vibration characteristics. This intermediary approach enables non-contact measurement with high accuracy while keeping the overall system relatively simple, as standard vibration sensors and signal processing circuits can be used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enhances measurement accuracy and maintains constant web tension, improving product quality and production speed by eliminating the impact of external influences on measurement results.

Implementation Method 1

at least one vibration parameter of at least one transverse vibration occurring on the material web is detected without contact using at least one sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

radar, Doppler radar, ultrasonic, or laser sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 3

Doppler radar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Implementation Method 4

ultrasonic, or laser sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasound: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 5

radar, Doppler radar, ultrasonic, or laser sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP2673633B1Method and device for detecting parameters of a traversing or circulating material web in a material processing machine
Publication Date: 2016.05.04 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2673633B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for detecting parameters of a traversing or circulating material web (6) in a material processing machine (1). According to the invention, at least one oscillation parameter of at least one transverse oscillation which occurs on the material web (6) is detected contactlessly by means of at least one sensor (9), and at least one parameter of the material web (6) which results from said oscillation parameter is determined. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for detecting parameters of a traversing or circulating material web (6) in a material processing machine (1).