Shape sensor devices, shape error detection systems, and related shape sensing methods

摘要

Devices, systems and methods for detecting the shape of a moving strip of material with high resolution along the edges thereof. Device and system embodiments may include a plurality of displacement-type shape sensor assemblies that may be collectively linearly displaced in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of a moving strip of material being examined, and also selectively activated or deactivated as necessary so as to provide edge-to-edge strip coverage to the extent possible.

主权项

1. A displacement-type shape sensor device for detecting shape errors in moving strips of material of different widths, the shape sensor device comprising:
a plurality of shape sensor assemblies, each shape sensor assembly including a shape sensor head supported within a mount; a frame for supporting and locating the shape sensor assemblies either below or above the moving strip of material in a manner such that the shape sensor assemblies are collectively linearly displaceable in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of travel of the moving strip of material; an actuator adapted to linearly displace the shape sensor assemblies in a direction that is substantially transverse to a direction of travel of the moving strip of material; an actuator associated with each shape sensor assembly and adapted to activate the shape sensor assembly by linearly displacing the shape sensor head thereof toward the moving strip of material and to deactivate the shape sensor assembly by linearly displacing the shape sensor head thereof away from the moving strip of material; a linear displacement measurement device associated with each shape sensor assembly for detecting an amount of linear movement of the shape sensor head thereof as the moving strip of material passes by the shape sensor device; and a controller associated with at least the actuators of the shape sensor device and programmed to, based on the strip width, determine which ones of the shape sensor assemblies are to be activated or deactivated and whether to transversely displace the shape sensor assemblies, and to instruct the respective actuators accordingly.