Braiding apparatus for braiding broad tape

A bobbin for a braiding tool, the bobbin comprising:

• a spool configured to hold a tow formed from a braiding material;
• a first pulley assembly coupled to the spool at a first distance from the spool, wherein the first pulley assembly is configured to facilitate passing the tow over a pulley of the first pulley assembly;
• a second pulley assembly coupled to the spool at a second distance that is less than the first distance, wherein the second pulley assembly is configured to facilitate receiving the tow from the first pulley assembly and passing the tow over a pulley of the second pulley assembly and towards a section of a braiding apparatus at which a plurality of tows come together to form braided tubing;
• a brake coupled to the spool, wherein, when engaged, the brake prevents the spool from turning;
• and
• a switch configured to actuate when a distance between the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly exceeds a predetermined distance, wherein actuation of the switch causes the brake to engage.

A method of manufacturing braided tubing, the method comprising:

• arranging a plurality of bobbins circumferentially around a braiding wheel of a braiding apparatus, wherein each bobbin includes:
• a spool configured to hold a tow formed from a braiding material;
• a first pulley assembly coupled to the spool at a first distance from the spool;
• a second pulley assembly coupled to the spool at a second distance that is less than the first distance;
• a brake coupled to the spool, wherein, when engaged, the brake prevents the spool from turning;
• and
• a switch configured to actuate when a distance between the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly exceeds a predetermined distance, wherein actuation of the switch causes the brake to engage;
• threading a tow held on the spool over a pulley of the first pulley assembly and then over a pulley of the second pulley assembly and then towards a section of the braiding apparatus at which a plurality of tows come together to form the braided tubing;
• and
• moving the plurality of bobbins around the braiding wheel to thereby form the braided tubing.