Tape layup systems and associated methods

A method of operating a tape layup system that includes a tape roll of a tackifier tape loaded onto a feed spool, wherein the tackifier tape includes a tackifier material and a backing material affixed to the tackifier material, wherein the tape layup system additionally includes an uptake spool configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material, wherein the tackifier tape extends between the feed spool and a compaction roller of the tape layup system, and wherein the backing material extends between the compaction roller and the backing material roll, the method comprising:

• generating tension in the tackifier tape between the tape roll and the compaction roller;
• responsive to the tension generated in the tackifier tape, pulling the tackifier tape from the tape roll to rotate the feed spool relative to a frame of the tape layup system;
• separating the backing material from the tackifier material;
• and
• responsive to the rotation of the feed spool, rotating the uptake spool relative to the frame to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll;
• wherein the rotating the uptake spool relative to the frame includes conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool with a torque transmission system;
• and
• wherein the conveying the torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool with the torque transmission system includes conveying the torque without use of a motor.