Systems and Methods for Forming a Winding Structure
AssigneeAdvanced Composites, Inc.
InventorsDaniel B. Hannula, Cody J. Janes, Randall J. Philpot, Carlton J. Sudbury
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated machine for forming winding structures without the use of a mandrel using a driven headstock and driven tailstock. The winding machine allows for selective orientation and selective layering of the filament as it is wound onto the pin rings. The winding structure can receive forms into a hollow center and the composite placed in a female mold. Alternatively the winding structure may be formed into a laminate which can be orientated and aligned on a form to achieve desired mechanical properties.
Claims20
An automated mandrel-less filament winding machine comprising:
- a driven headstock comprising a pin ring;
- a driven tailstock comprising a pin ring wherein no mandrel connects the driven tailstock to the driven headstock;
- a delivery eye configured to guide a filament in a winding pattern onto the headstock pin ring and the tailstock pin ring;
- a drive mechanism to drive the headstock and drive the tailstock into positions wherein the filament is selectively wound onto the headstock pin ring and tailstock pin ring to create a winding structure.
An automated mandrel-less filament winding machine comprising:
- a driven headstock comprising a pin ring;
- a driven tailstock comprising a pin ring wherein the driven tailstock is slaved to the driven headstock;
- a driven articulating delivery eye configured to guide a filament onto the headstock pin ring and the tailstock pin ring in a predetermined winding pattern;
- a drive mechanism to drive the headstock into positions wherein the filament is selectively wound onto the headstock pin ring and tailstock pin ring to create a winding structure.
A method of making a mandrel-less filament winding machine comprising:
- providing a driven headstock comprising a pin ring;
- providing a driven tailstock comprising a pin ring wherein the driven tailstock is slaved to the driven headstock;
- providing a driven articulating delivery eye configured to selectively guide a filament onto desired winding pins on the headstock pin ring guiding the filament onto desired winding pins on the tailstock pin ring in a predetermined winding pattern to selectively provide and position filament layers and orientations;
- providing a drive mechanism to drive the headstock into positions wherein the filament is selectively wound onto the headstock pin ring and tailstock pin ring to create a winding structure;
- inserting a form into a receiving portion formed in the winding structure;
- and
- placing the winding structure and form into a mold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.