Tape layup systems and associated methods

• Main Author: Halbritter, Allen
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 26.09.2023
• Subjects: AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING; CUTTING; DETAILS COMMON TO MACHINES FOR PERFORATING, PUNCHING,CUTTING-OUT, STAMPING-OUT OR SEVERING; HAND CUTTING TOOLS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; SEVERING; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDEDFOR; SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; TRANSPORTING; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

Tape layup systems and associated methods. A tape layup system includes a feed spool and an uptake spool. The feed spool is configured to carry a tape roll of tackifier tape that includes a tackifier material and a backing material, and the uptake spool is configured to carry a backing material roll of the backing material. The tape layup system further includes a torque transmission system configured to convey a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool. The tape layup system is configured such that conveying a torque from the feed spool to the uptake spool operates to draw the backing material onto the backing material roll. A method of operating a tape layup system includes generating tension in a tackifier tape to rotate a feed spool and consequently rotating an uptake spool to draw a backing material onto a backing material roll.